I bought this LP in a sale at JG Windows, Newcastle upon Tyne, in the summer of 1979.
As I recall, we arose early, went in a group and queued outside before the opening. This was one of several bargains I managed to clinch -- despite the aggressive elbowing and grabbing by a local, leather-jacketed, leftist vicar; who harvested several score of the merchandise before most people could get near to the racks.
It seems that I have probably listened to this collection of pieces as often as any LP that I ever owned. Somehow I never tire of it. (Indeed, this version of the vinyl is crackly and scratchy enough to be my own!)
The playing is consummate; with the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields at the peak of their powers under Neville Marriner; and solo work from oboist Roger Lord - whose tone and phrasing are simple perfection.
And the pieces by Handel include moments of utter sublimity - especially in the slow movements. That of the G minor concerto No. 3 must surely be one of the most soaring, plangent, melodies in the entire baroque repertoire. Notice how subtly, yet with maximum effectiveness, Lord adds idiomatic decorations to the repeats.
2 comments:
If some of the angels aren't playing oboes instead of harps I may reconsider my intended final destination.
@P - There is something especially lovely about the sound of an oboe, I agree.
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