Haydn symphonies, where to start?

jochum/london (lpo) No. 99-104.

London symphonies - Colin Davis or Antal Dorati at the baton

Paris symphonies, the Harnoncourt version is quite good.

Start with the London Symphonies (93-104) and work backwards. There are plenty of options for the major, later symphonies.

"London" Symphonies (93-104) - Harnoncourt; Bernstein; Jochum; Beecham

"Paris" Symphonies (82-87) - Harnoncourt; Bernstein; Marriner

"Sturm und Drang" Symphonies (44-49) - Maksymiuk

Symphonies 6-8 - Ward

Then from there you can cherry pick. In addition, there are complete cycles. The Adam Fischer complete cycle is pretty good for the money, with only the London Symphonies not up to snuff. The Naxos cycle is available now, and I'm sure that the Dorati cycle will be available even more cheaply next year as it is a Hadyn year. (I'm interested in seeing what all comes out!)


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I would go with Huwge,
Ken

I can't add sensibly to the recommendations given, though there is one which may be had if you are lucky and that is the old Nimbus set with the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra with Adam Fischer.

Do not be put off by the name which might indicate that it is a pick-up band for the recdordings. The truth is that each year there used to be a Haydn Festival which this band played these symphonies and other Haydn works. The members of the band were drawn from the VPO and the Hungarian State Opera Orchestras, so you may rightly assume a very high standard and also a very natural grasp of the musical dialect!

Unfortunately the Nimbus company has hit the rocks and the set last appeared on Brilliant Classics ...

Of the various volumes, I especially commend the Paris Symphonies album, which is one of the most joyous collections of symphonic recordings I have yet encountered.

ATB from George

quote:

Originally posted by mikeeschman:
jochum/london (lpo) No. 99-104.

Ah, something we agree on. Except, I'd suggest the budget box that contains all the London symphonies from this team (93-104). It also comes with a bonus disc of some earlier recordings of 88, 91 and 98 with the BPO and Bavarian orchestras. Wonderful stuff, I don't think I know anyone who can find such magic, especially in the minutes.

I'd second Todd's recommendation for Bernstein (with the NY Philharmonic) in both the London and Paris symphonies - wonderfully joyful.

Davis and the Concertgebouw is good, but I find him a little heavy and over-rich at times.


Are they similar to Mozart? In some ways, but in others they feel very different. That said, I can't see you going far wrong with any of the recommendations here.

regards, Tam

Dear Tam,

I love the music of Haydn above all but that of old JS Bach!

Haydn's Symphonies are pure abrstract life enhancement!! A gift from God through a God fearing man, who loved humanity!

I cannot emphasise enough the significance of Haydn's optimistic, joyful, gloriously, and generously humane music!

ATB from George

PS: As a symphonist, I think the similarities with Mozart extend as far as Mozart could emulate his older friend, Joseph Haydn. Mozart was the undisputed master of the concerto and opera in his time, but not so obviously the symphony!

Many thanks for all the replies. I have ordered the Colin Davies and will report back after listening.
best wishes
SJ

The Jochum set of London Symphonies is very reasonably priced on Amazon (5 discs for £13.98 - how can I possibly refuse a bargain like that?!) so I put an order in. I too have only really heard some of the string quartets, but hopefully I'll enjoy the symphonies.

Well, Naxos have just released their complete set to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Haydn's death:



Anyone know how these performances compare with Adam Fischer on Brilliant?

OT but related - Naxos have also released Haydn's complete string quartets (played by the Kodaly) in a box set, I know that some of these performances are very good, as I have some of the individual CDs.

Regards
Nigel

Also slightly off-topic, but worth mentioning - I bought this set of keyboard trios today:



I know Beaux Arts trio are supposed to be the gold standard for this repertoire, but I figured that anything with Van Asperen on harpsichord couldn't be all bad - and I was right. It looks like an interesting set as CDs 1 & 2 feature harpsichord, 3 & 4 the fortepiano, and CD 5 the piano.

quote:

Originally posted by droodzilla:
Anyone know how these performances compare with Adam Fischer on Brilliant?

I've not heard all of the Naxos recordings, nor do I intend to, but the few I have heard are perhaps the same quality. I'd still opt for the Fischer set because of greater consistency. And just wait - I'm sure the Dorati box will be out again next year.

quote:

Originally posted by droodzilla:
I know Beaux Arts trio are supposed to be the gold standard for this repertoire

They're the gold standard for the trio repertoire through the 19th Century.


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Symphonies not arrived yet - am a bit daunted as to where to start when they do arrive though.
Off topic and to something a little more familiar to me, I listened yesterday to the Petersen recording of the opus 1 SQs yesterday. Divertimenti. I'd recomend these to anyone who doesn't own them already. Light, clear, and charming.
bw
SJ

London Symphonies arrived this morning. I've listened to No 104 twice - not knowing where to start I thought I'd work my way backwards - wonderful. Very beautiful and engaging, a lovely sound too. Thanks again for all the recommendations.
bw
SJ

quote:

Originally posted by stephenjohn:
I listened yesterday to the Petersen recording of the opus 1 SQs yesterday.

The Petersen Quartet in it's early-to-mid-90s makeup is a superb quartet, and their Haydn is indeed top notch stuff, as much as the music allows, anyway.


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Dear Friends,

Exactly on topic, a few weeks ago I bought some Haydn symphony recordings, which I surely only give a fews hints about here:

http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3801938...802935717#4802935717

Certainly not a poor place to start, though!

ATB from George

Decca is indeed reissuing the complete Dorati cycle for about 50 quid - less for stateside buyers. A quick search might turn up a better price.


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