Joseph Haydn's Bicentennial

Posted by: Florestan on 02 November 2008

I remember it as if it were yesterday. Several years ago I stood in a CD music store holding the Decca set of complete Piano Sonatas (12 cd's) played by John McCabe in one hand and the Decca set of complete Symphonies (33cd's) conducted by Antal Dorati in the other hand. I deliberated for some time over this vexed issue and then finally made my decision. The sonatas set was cheaper so I reasoned that the symphony set will come at a later date. At the time, I believe that symphony set sold for around $350.

I have been very pleased with the McCabe set and have also added other alternatives (not complete) of the sonatas since. I've also managed to collect smaller sets of the symphonies such as the Trevor Pinnock on DG and many different sets of the String Quartets and the complete Piano Trios and so on.

2009 will be the Bicentennial of Haydn's death. And along comes this.....

Complete Haydn (150 cd's) for $150 at Arkiv at the moment. Even if every single CD is not top notch this is still remarkable value considering the Symphonies, Sonatas, String Quartets, and 2 Oratories alone. I'm also interested in getting a taste of the balance of music that is rarely heard.

I can't see any downside and I'm glad that Haydn will finally get some much deserved attention in 2009. Haydn was a remarkable composer so spread the word.

Should I still pursue the Dorati set? Anyone want to recommend their favorite Haydn recordings please also feel free to do so.

Best Regards,
Doug

Posted on: 02 November 2008 by Tam

My absolute favourite Haydn recordings are the DG box of the London symphonies from Jochum and the LPO (with one or two extras). His way with them, particularly the way he seems to make the minuets so important, is unique in my listening experience.

I like most of Bernstein's recordings too, not least for the joy he finds - his Paris symphonies with the NYPO are good, as is his Creation with the Bavarian radio orchestra.

The Budapest quartet who are, in my experience, stunning in everything, did an excellent set of the op.76 quartets.

regards, Tam

Posted on: 02 November 2008 by mikeeschman

quote:
Originally posted by Tam:
My absolute favourite Haydn recordings are the DG box of the London symphonies from Jochum and the LPO (with one or two extras).
regards, Tam

:-) ditto

Posted on: 02 November 2008 by Todd A

quote:
Originally posted by Tam:
The Budapest quartet who are, in my experience, stunning in everything, did an excellent set of the op.76 quartets.

I agree completely, though your praise borders on understatement!

Of the Haydn year goodies bound to come out (or out now), I look forward most to Ronald Brautigam's complete Haydn keyboard works. The set's out now, but appears to be only an import in the US. Naxos is bringing out their complete symphony cycle and a reduced price string quartet box - but since I already have the Angeles, do I really need the Kodaly? (I have many by them anyway.) Perhaps the Dorati symphony set will be reissued at a lower price, and the Tatrai quartet cycle will be re-re-reissued at a lower price as well. Perhaps some new choral recordings can come out, too. I'm thinking Paul McCreesh in some of the late masses to augment his truly great Creation.

One can scarcely have too much Haydn, though I must say that the current rage for complete sets of composers' works is a bit too much for me. Not all the works are equally good. Nor are the performers and performances.

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