English Chamber Orchestra — Raymond Leppard
Philips 426 465-2, 3 CDs
Raymond Leppard approaches Handel’s twelve concerti grossi with a full-bodied string sound and an unapologetically traditional manner. Tempos are generally comfortable, the slow movements sing warmly, and the exchanges between the solo players and orchestra unfold with natural elegance. Listeners accustomed to period instruments may find the textures rather substantial, but Leppard never allows the music to become heavy. This is gracious, civilized Handel, played without exaggeration.
Academy of St. Martin in the Fields — Iona Brown
Philips 410 048-2, 3 CDs
Iona Brown’s recording is leaner, quicker and more sharply articulated. The Academy’s polished playing brings greater transparency to Handel’s counterpoint, while the dance movements possess more lift and rhythmic bite. Brown also finds plenty of tenderness in the slower music, particularly the celebrated Musette of the Sixth Concerto. The performances remain recognizably modern-instrument Handel, but they anticipate some of the clarity and energy associated with historically informed playing.
Both sets remain rewarding. Leppard offers warmth, breadth and old-fashioned elegance; Brown supplies greater contrast and momentum. If choosing only one, I would take Brown, whose performances wear their years lightly and reveal more of Handel’s inexhaustible invention.
Both catalog numbers contain the complete twelve-concerto collection. Leppard release listing · Brown release documentation
