I first came into contact with Handel's Water Music through an Open University programme in 1980 on the City of Bath introduced by Colin Cunningham. The programme used authentically phrased versions of Handel's masterpiece and my goal from then on was to find a recording on par. It has taken many years of searching, but I am pleased to say, this recording of the English Baroque Soloists conduced by John Eliot Gardiner is it!
Each suite in turn is treated fairly and without compromise. Often the hornpipe and air suites are handled with sledgehammers, not so here. They are beautifully woven like a tapestry and evoke visions of the Royal Barge and Musicians afloat performing down the Thames in London, leaving the listener in no doubt as to Handel's intentions.
This recording, which also includes the Music for the Royal Fireworks, is highly recommended.