Because of advances in the field of Baroque performance practice and because there are so many excellent recordings of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks available, played with vim and vigor by many outstanding period specialists, why would anyone want a 1963 analog recording of this work, played in a slow, stodgy, reverential manner reminiscent of late Romantic interpretations? Apparently Hungaraton thinks there is enough life left in this murky recording by
György Lehel and the
Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra to give it one more go-round in its Echo Collection, but don't be deceived into thinking it is worth even the budget price.
Lehel's tempos are quite sluggish in the Overture (which, with repeats, is drawn out to an amazing 12'25"), and this unduly solemn movement is followed by listless playing in the Bourrée, "La Paix," and the "Menuets"; only "La Rejouissance," the only true Allegro in this performance, has any kick. This nearly funereal reading of Fireworks is followed by overtures and ballet music from Handel's operas, delivered with almost the same somber lethargy by Miklós Erdélyi and the
Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra, though in fairness it must be added that these performances have a little more rhythmic bounce and the benefit of a harpsichord continuo, which is lacking in
Lehel's performance. Still, this album has so little life and the sound is so inferior, even by standards of the early '60s, one should look elsewhere for historically informed and far more interesting performances of Handel's music, even at the risk of paying full price, rather than settle for this affordable but dull retread.