Haydn London Symphonies -- Your favorite set?

[Gurn Blanston]

I have every PI recording of the London Symphonies, AFAIK. My favorites are Petite Bande/Kuijken. To me, they epitomize my ideal of what these works should sound like. While the box is available only as a Japanese import (or at least it was, I haven't shopped for it in a long time!!), I got the individual disks, 'used' in excellent condition, from Amazon Marketplace over the course of a few weeks for a total of less than $25!

I agree with Jo, Minkowski is gimmicky in places, although a few of them really shine (#100 is a gem, for example, while I won't listen to #94 since the first time). Stream it if you can and you will see for yourself.

Brüggen is my second choice for a set, the sound could be a bit more crisp, but being 'Live' doesn't hurt it in my estimation. Brüggen does tend to drag a bit sometimes for my taste. YMMV.

I could put a set together using players like McGegan, Goodman, Hickox, Hogwood, Norrington and Haselböck that was as good as or better than any single cycle, but that isn't what you asked about...

[jwinter]

I could put a set together using players like McGegan, Goodman, Hickox, Hogwood, Norrington and Haselböck that was as good as or better than any single cycle, but that isn't what you asked about...

Oh, go on... indulge...

Many thanks for the recommendations!

[Sergeant Rock]

Fey didn't quite complete the Londons before his accident (missing 101) but the eleven he did record are among my favorites. For a box of Londons my desert island pick is Norrington with the RSO Stuttgart. Love the prominent brass (turns some off but I find it thrilling). I'm not as keen on his Haydn with the LCP.




Sarge

[amw]

Kuijken is the best. I also really like Minkowski although I don't like the gimmicks, but they don't bother me enough to avoid listening again.