The Haydn Corner

[Gabriel]

I know, regarding instrumental music, he's a master in anything.

And regarding vocal music, Quintett op. 57, he is a master too. It is more than enough to consider the achievement of Die Schöpfung and Die Jahreszeiten to put him at the top; not to count the masses (not just the "late" ones, but also the previous), and the operas, on which more than one inspired poster can comment much more than I am able to. (I have Armida, but haven't listened to it too carefully; but I always remember the Finale for the second act of Il mondo della Luna, which is one of the most exquisite and attractive sections in all I know about opera buffa).

[SonicMan]

Thought that I'd reactivate this excellent (and looonnngg!) thread for some 'updated' recommendations on Haydn's London Symphonies (Nos. 93-104) - I'm sure there are plenty of posts already in this thread on these wonderful works, but newer releases & newer members of the forum just 'getting into' Haydn may appreciate some current suggestions - 

Currently, my CDs of the London Symphonies are on two Philips Duos w/ Sir Colin Davis & the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra - no major complaints, decent reviews, but are these the BEST?  Thus, what are some of the other choices, esp. regarding orchestra size, HIP vs. modern approaches, conductor(s) & their interpretations, etc.  In reviewing the 'offerings' on Amazon, I've pictured a few of the most highly recommended packages below - please provide comments on these recordings and please add your own favorites - looking forward to 'replacing' or 'adding' to my current collection - thanks, as always - 

Jochum - various orchestras - 5* rating
Kuijken - La Petite Bande - 5* - have him on earlier symphonies - excellent!
Bruggen - Orch 18th Century - 4* ?
Solti - London PO - 4+*

Just some recordings to start - comments appreciated & additions welcomed! 

     

[Daverz]

Bruggen - Orch 18th Century - 4* ?

These are live performances, but the audiences are quiet as mice, and the sonics are excellent.  This is a HIP orchestra, but not in any way agressive in it's period sound.  Exciting and energetic interpretations and playing.

By the way, Jochum also recorded some of the London symphonies with the Dresden Staatskapelle.  These are available in Japan.

[Que]

SonicMan,

Check this recent thread on HIP versions of the Haydn symphonies.
I'd recommend two sets: the box set with Kuijken (5CD - super budget price) and Harnoncourt's new set of the Paris symphonies - stunning!

Q

     

[SonicMan]

SonicMan,

Check this recent thread on HIP versions of the Haydn symphonies.
I'd recommend two sets: the box set with Kuijken (5CD - super budget price) and Harnoncourt's new set of the Paris symphonies - stunning!

Q

     

Que - thanks for the information & the link - I've been on that thread a number of times, but need to make a return trip - 

Also, already have most of the Kuijken recordings in that box set already - I must say that he is one of my favorites in this Haydn repertoire, so I was curious to see if he has done the London Symphonies; of course, Harnoncourt & Mackerras are on my list, too.  BTW - who do you like in the last Haydn 12!   

[Que]

Que - thanks for the information & the link - I've been on that thread a number of times, but need to make a return trip - 

Also, already have most of the Kuijken recordings in that box set already - I must say that he is one of my favorites in this Haydn repertoire, so I was curious to see if he has done the London Symphonies; of course, Harnoncourt & Mackerras are on my list, too.  BTW - who do you like in the last Haydn 12!   

SonicMan,

Sorry - I was obviously not paying attention!
Not only did you already know the linked thread, but you also pictured a recording by Kuijken of the London Symphonies on DHM - not included in the box set, which is on Virgin.
I didn't even know they existed, very interesting! Judging from the cover only available in Japan?

BTW, I don't know how much you still need from that Kuijken set on Virgin - I could be worth the trouble to do the math - I got mine for only 16 euros.

Q

[SonicMan]

Not only did you already know the linked thread, but you also pictured a recording by Kuijken of the London Symphonies on DHM - not included in the box set, which is on Virgin.
I didn't even know they existed, very interesting! Judging from the cover only available in Japan?

BTW, I don't know how much you still need from that Kuijken set on Virgin - I could be worth the trouble to do the math - I got mine for only 16 euros.

Q - that Kuijken box did peak my interest, but already had him in 26, 52-3, 82-7, 88-9, & 92; but, you're right on that Japanese labelled set - have not checked into it - hope maybe others who have heard or own the recordings will comment? 

[diegobueno]

This is not the first time I've beat the drum for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment set of the Paris Symphonies, but here I go again,

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

Really exciting performances.

[Bill]

Solti - London PO - 4+*

Just some recordings to start - comments appreciated & additions welcomed! 

 

I have much of the Solti run and absolutely love it Dave....sorry for not seeing this post earlier.

[DavidW]

I have much of the Solti run and absolutely love it Dave....sorry for not seeing this post earlier.

Speaking of Solti, I know OT, I heard a concert of him doing the Schubert 9 and man have I misjudged him!  It was incredibly lyrical.

[Daverz]

Speaking of Solti, I know OT, I heard a concert of him doing the Schubert 9 and man have I misjudged him!  It was incredibly lyrical.

Was that the recording with the VPO?  That one is pretty famous.  Or was it a broadcast?

[DavidW]

Was that the recording with the VPO?  That one is pretty famous.  Or was it a broadcast?

Broadcast with the CSO--

http://rapidshare.com/files/13718538/Schubert_Sym_9_CSO-Solti_Dec-11-1965.rar

 

[SonicMan]

I have much of the Solti run and absolutely love it Dave....sorry for not seeing this post earlier.

Bill & Daves - thanks for the additional comments - still looking for a different London set - still love the Kuijken recordings that I own of the earlier symphonies - no hurry, can certainly wait -    Dave

[quintett op.57]

Whatever you tell me, my next London set will be by Bernstein.
I love his parisians set

[SonicMan]

Instead of the 'listening thread', I thought here would be a better choice:   

Couple of nights ago, we started Robert Greenberg's Great Masters: Haydn—His Life and Music
from the Teaching Company - have gone through the first two of eight 45" lectures (bought the DVD set on sale as a combo w/ 3 other composers - Mozart, Tchaikovsky, & Stravinsky) - he is absolutely delightful in presenting this biographical approach & a master at bringing Haydn 'alive'!  Highly recommended (of course, when on SALE!).

But I was thinking of some of the many works Haydn wrote for 'unusual' instruments (as least now), e.g. the baryton & the lyra organizzata, the latter pictured below - also more pics & MP3 snippets here - 

Now listening to Haydn's Notturni for the King of Naples, composed around 1790 - performed by Klocker & Consortium Classicum on CPO - 9 instruments (nonets?), 2 lyra, 2 violas, 2 clarinets, 2 horns, & bass - these are excellent & a fun listening - there is an identical set on Sony which I'd love to hear but available only on the Marketplace on Amazaon (maybe elsewhere?); but any other comments or recommendations on Haydn & unusual instruments?  BTW - have about 4 baryton CDs - another fun instrument!