TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : Excellent Good Fair Poor : COMPACT DISCS

The Heroick Mr. Handel. New York Trumpet Ensemble. MMG (DDD). Remember those gaudy “hip” classical packages of the ‘60s depicting composers as pop hit makers of the past? Here, emblazoned on a cheap-looking “CD-Wallet” (a folded piece of cardboard), is Handel in Union Jack sunglasses with exploding pop-art fireworks. That silliness aside, the performances are serious, stylish and cleanly recorded--albeit standard in repertory choice. Organist Anthony Newman, trumpeter Edward Carroll and friends give exciting readings of these festive pieces. The packaging results in a reduced price ($12 list) but the classy look of the CD, alas, is gone without that nice little plastic box. 1/2