Haydn Seven Last Words

[Verena]

Today I listened to a recording by the Borodin Quartet of the Seven Last Words and found it (the composition) stunningly beautiful. What are the best recordings of this work? (I think I prefer the version for string quartet).

[Bulldog]

Today I listened to a recording by the Borodin Quartet of the Seven Last Words and found it (the composition) stunningly beautiful. What are the best recordings of this work? (I think I prefer the version for string quartet).

My preference is for the oratorio version; it has a compelling second introduction and does full justice to the finale.

As for recordings, I favor Harononcourt although the Brilliant Classics account conducted by Nicol Matt is also very excellent and costs much less.

[AnthonyAthletic]

Rosamunde Qtet on ECM.  Beautiful recording, record of the year choice..way back, 10 years ago. 

Togetherness personified.  Nothing vulgar here, just delightful music making.

[Verena]

My preference is for the oratorio version; it has a compelling second introduction and does full justice to the finale.

As for recordings, I favor Harononcourt although the Brilliant Classics account conducted by Nicol Matt is also very excellent and costs much less.

Thanks, never heard about Matt. I'll give that version a try.

[Verena]

Rosamunde Qtet on ECM.  Beautiful recording, record of the year choice..way back, 10 years ago. 

Togetherness personified.  Nothing vulgar here, just delightful music making.

Thanks! Sounds like this might be very much to my taste..

[Mandryka]

My preference is for the oratorio version; it has a compelling second introduction and does full justice to the finale.

As for recordings, I favor Harononcourt although the Brilliant Classics account conducted by Nicol Matt is also very excellent and costs much less.

Have you heard Laurence Equilbey's one? That's the one I have and I just wonder whether Harnoncourt's is different enough, interesting or quirky enough etc.

Anyone recommend an orchestral version?

[Gurn Blanston]

Anyone recommend an orchestral version?

Savall.

[Antoine Marchand]

Today I listened to a recording by the Borodin Quartet of the Seven Last Words and found it (the composition) stunningly beautiful. What are the best recordings of this work? (I think I prefer the version for string quartet).

Version for string quartet: HIP - the Kuijken String Quartet (Denon, just available in Japan); on modern instruments, the Amadeus Quartet (DG, now apparently Brilliant Classics, old school, totally captivating).

Keyboard version: Ronald Brautigam (BIS) [although Immerseel is also an excellent option- if you enjoy extremely slow tempi: Jaroslav Tuma]

Orchestral version: Jordi Savall (Naïve, Alia Vox)

Choral version: Harnoncourt (Teldec, Elatus)



P.S.: I made some research on the version of the Amadeus re-released by Brilliant Classics and it's not the same currently available on DG (from 1971) that I have. The version on Brilliant Classics -which I don't have- is also DG (as the other CDs in the box pictured below), but was recorded in the 50's and is out of copyright:

[Gurn Blanston]

Version for string quartet: HIP - the Kuijken String Quartet (Denon, just available in Japan); on modern instruments, the Amadeus Quartet (DG, now apparently Brilliant Classics, old school, totally captivating).

Keyboard version: Ronald Brautigam (BIS) [although Immerseel is also an excellent option- if you enjoy extremely slow tempi: Jaroslav Tuma]

Orchestral version: Jordi Savall (Naïve, Alia Vox)

Choral version: Harnoncourt (Teldec, Elatus)

Ditto, top to bottom. I was hoping you would post, Antoine, so I wouldn't have to type all that...

[SonicMan46]

Good choices Antoine & Gurn - I own Brautigam & Savall in the keyboard & orchestral versions; but the ones below in the others - enjoy both the latter but will be interested in others' responses; I'm sure that there will be plenty of alternates suggested - Dave 

 

[Gurn Blanston]

Good choices Antoine & Gurn - I own Brautigam & Saval in the keyboard & orchestral versions; but the ones below in the others - enjoy both the latter but will be interested in others' responses; I'm sure that there will be plenty of alternates suggested - Dave 

 

I like that accentus version, Dave. Picked it up on a whim and have spun it several times now. Like I have gaps to fill in my 7LW collection...  

[Antoine Marchand]

... I forgot my favorite Haydn by the Mosaïques:



I think their undeniable skills are rather suitable for this solemn masterpiece. 

[Verena]

Version for string quartet: HIP - the Kuijken String Quartet (Denon, just available in Japan); on modern instruments, the Amadeus Quartet (DG, now apparently Brilliant Classics, old school, totally captivating).

Keyboard version: Ronald Brautigam (BIS) [although Immerseel is also an excellent option- if you enjoy extremely slow tempi: Jaroslav Tuma]

Orchestral version: Jordi Savall (Naïve, Alia Vox)

Choral version: Harnoncourt (Teldec, Elatus)



P.S.: I made some research on the version of the Amadeus re-released by Brilliant Classics and it's not the same currently available on DG (from 1971) that I have. The version on Brilliant Classics -which I don't have- is also DG (as the other CDs in the box pictured below), but was recorded in the 50's and is out of copyright:

Thanks very much Antoine! Would you rather take the Kuijken Qt or the Mosaiques to your desert island?

[Antoine Marchand]

Thanks very much Antoine! Would you rather take the Kuijken Qt or the Mosaiques to your desert island?

Totally. IMO those Seven Last Words are the best Haydn recorded by the Mosaïques. I didn't know this group when I purchased it and it was a true revelation. Unfortunately, they never produced the same effect on me with their other Haydn recordings (and I have all of them).   

[Que]

My preference is for the oratorio version; it has a compelling second introduction and does full justice to the finale.

As for recordings, I favor Harnoncourt [...]

Totally second that! I like the SQt second best BTW.

Q

[Verena]

Totally. IMO those Seven Last Words are the best Haydn recorded by the Mosaïques. I didn't know this group when I purchased it and it was a true revelation. Unfortunately, they never produced the same effect on me with their other Haydn recordings (and I have all of them). 

I have the same relatively lukewarm feeling regarding some Haydn recordings by the Mosaiques I have listened to; so I should probably like the Seven Last Words 

[Verena]

Totally second that! I like the SQt second best BTW.

Q

In general, I greatly prefer oratorios to string quartets; I'm not a great fan of chamber music. Guess I really need to check out the Harnoncourt..

[SonicMan46]

In general, I greatly prefer oratorios to string quartets; I'm not a great fan of chamber music. Guess I really need to check out the Harnoncourt..

Hi Verena - now I've not heard the Harnoncourt recording, but the one Gurn & I own, i.e. accentus et al is quite wonderful - take a look at Scott Morrison's review on Amazon HERE (one of the handful of Amazonians that I do read closely); plus an interesting comment to that review by our own Jens - 

[val]

I prefer the version for string Quartet, in the interpretation of the Mosaiques Quartet.

Regarding the orchestral version, Savall is my favorite.

[Verena]

Hi Verena - now I've not heard the Harnoncourt recording, but the one Gurn & I own, i.e. accentus et al is quite wonderful - take a look at Scott Morrison's review on Amazon HERE (one of the handful of Amazonians that I do read closely); plus an interesting comment to that review by our own Jens - 

Thanks very much, SonicMan! Ordered this version today..