Haydn: London Symphonies, Vol. 2

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
It's surely no coincidence that Haydn's nicknamed symphonies are the most regularly played and recorded. Haydn the showman delighted in playing tricks on his audience, nowhere more so than in the "Clock" and the "Surprise" symphonies. But beyond the charming gimmicks, these works are masterpieces of form and melody and, along with Mozart's later symphonies, represent the apogee of the Classical symphony before Beethoven and the stormy Romantics began rocking the boat. The ticking motif of the "Clock" seems to encapsulate the rational Age of Enlightenment; the unexpected crescendos of the "Surprise" affectionately mock it. The third work on this disc, Symphony No. 102, lacks both a nickname and a gimmick, but all three share a sublime slow movement flanked by outer movements of great vivacity and life-affirming joy. This second volume of "London" symphonies from Richard Hickox and his period-instrument band, Collegium Musicum 90, displays the same estimable qualities as the the first: a sure grasp of nuance, crisp tempos, and, above all, marvelously unfussy readings. Here, the emphasis is simply on Haydn's music, and neither conductor nor orchestra indulges in anything to draw undue attention to themselves. Take the surprise in the "Surprise" symphony, for example, which is neither underplayed nor overdramatic. Or the brisk opening "Presto" of the "Clock," whose inherent joyfulness is projected entirely without affectation. Impeccable Chandos engineering guarantees that these much-loved, oft-recorded works have rarely sounded fresher. --Mark Walker

Haydn: London Symphonies, Vol. 2, Music, Franz Joseph Haydn, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Classical Period Symphony, Orchestral & Symphonic, Symphonic

Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 2
Average customer rating:

Comparison - Jochum's Set vs. Colin Davis'

Haydn's London Symphonies

Excellent, but beware of Davis' groaning

GOOD, BUT!

Grand, Warm, Rich, Mature Symphony

Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Franz Joseph Haydn | Haydn, Franz Joseph | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Classical | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Haydn: The London Symphonies, Vol. 1

Haydn: Paris Symphonies

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 88 - 92

Haydn: String Quartets Op. 76, Nos. 1-3

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures

ASIN: B0000041AR
Release Date: 1994-10-11

Tracks:

Symphony In D: Adagio - Allegro assai - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In D: Largo cantabile - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In D: Menuetto. Allegro - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In D: Finale. Presto ma non troppo - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In E Flat: Adagio -- Vivace assai - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In E Flat: Adagio - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In E Flat: Menuetto. Allegretto - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In E Flat: Finale. Vivace - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In G: Adagio - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In G: Andante - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In G: Menuetto - Joseph Haydn
Symphony In G: Finale - Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

Symphony In G: 1. Adagio - J. Haydn
Symphony In G: 2. Andante - J. Haydn
Symphony In G: 3. Menuetto - J. Haydn
Symphony In G: 4. Finale - J. Haydn
Symphony In C: 1. Adagio - Vivace - J. Haydn
Symphony In C: 2. Adagio ma non troppo - J. Haydn
Symphony In C: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto - J. Haydn
Symphony In C: 4. Finale. Presto assai - J. Haydn
Symphony In D: 1. Adagio - J. Haydn
Symphony In D: 2. Andante - J. Haydn
Symphony In D: 3. Menuetto - J. Haydn
Symphony In D: 4. Finale - J. Haydn

Amazon.com

Someone once commented on the "sulphurous devilishness" of Haydn's surprises in the London symphonies. But it should come as no surprise that one of the best recordings of these works is from Sir Colin Davis, whose accounts with the Concertgebouw Orchestra stand among the most exalted phonographic accomplishments of recent years. There is a Beechamesque quality to these readings, and when it comes to Haydn, that is praise indeed. They are exceptionally personable, characterful, likable interpretations, with wit, warmth, and life in every measure. All 12 symphonies are wonderfully played and very well recorded. At full price, these recordings would be a top choice; as midprice offerings, three symphonies to a disc (averaging more than 75 minutes of music each), they're a steal. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Comparison - Jochum's Set vs. Colin Davis'.......2006-02-23

Jochum and London Phil deliver the highest level of Haydn playing just like Colin Davis and Concertgebow do. I own both and tried to compare between two.

Jochum adds plenty of personal touches that decidedly grab your attention. You hear poignant romanticism or Beethoven-like roar in many places. Colin Davis, by comparison, lets the music flow naturally and makes it sound more balanced. Colin Davis sure gets a lot of help from the gorgeous Concertgebow band - silky but vivacious strings, show-stopping woodwinds, bright brass section, etc. In his set, you hear more of the orchestra than Colin Davis. I think it's the other way around in Jochum set. Concergebow's sound is more transparent and charmingly light-footed while London Phil sounds fuller and creamier without losing crispness. You get more agility and refinement from Davis set. You get more expressiveness and warmth from Jochum's.
Let me emphasize that all of the good qualities I attributed to either of the sets actually exist in both (they are inherently in Haydn's writing). It's just that some qualities are more apparent in one than the other.
As to the recording, Colin Davis set has more sparkle and vividness. It sounds more modern. Jochum's has a typical old-fashioned analogue sound in a very good way. It has plenty of natural ambience but doesn't sound muddy.
I recommend you buy both of these delightful and affordable sets. I never regretted doing so :-)

Haydn's London Symphonies.......2005-12-21

I have been listening to many of Haydn's earlier symphonies on the ongoing cycle of the complete series on Naxos. But for the final set of twelve, Haydn's masterpieces in the form, I wanted Sir Colin Davis conducting the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Davis has recorded the twelve London symphonies on two mid-priced Phillips "duo" CDs. The performances are outstanding and filled with ebullience. They will make a good introduction to Haydn for those new to his music and will delight long-term lovers of Haydn.

Beginning when he was about 25, Haydn composed for the wealthy and music-loving Esterhazy family. His fame gradually spread throughout Europe and, with the "Paris" symphonies, Haydn began to write works for a public broader than his aristocratic patron. With the death of Nicholas Esterhazy in 1790, Haydn received an invitation to visit London. He visited twice, in 1791-1792 and again from 1794-1795. His twelve "London" symphonies are the result. These are full-scaled symphonic creations showing the consummate mastery Haydn had acquired over the years. The works are joyous and lively and were immediately welcomed by Haydn's London audiences. They are also highly sophisticated and endlessly creative works of art which will reward careful listening and study. For those listeners wanting a more detailed, yet non-technical overview of the twelve London symphonies than that found on liner notes, I suggest consulting their treatment in Michael Steinberg's valuable work, "The Symphony: A Listener's Guide."

This two-CD set includes six of the London symphonies: nos. 93, 94, 97, 99, 100, and 101. Let me mention a few features of each.

Haydn's most famous symphony is probably the 94th in G major, the "Surprise". The theme of the second movement, with the large "bang" at the end of the repetition of the opening phrase is one of the best-known moments of music, familiar to children. This remains an excellent work to introduce young people to music. The "surprise" movement proceeds with a lovely set of variations, and there is much to get to know, including more surprises, in the remaining three movements as well.

Symphony no. 100 is also in G major and is known as the "Military" for the martial tone of the second movement, replete with drums, cymbals, and triangle. In addition to the "Military" movement, this symphony features a vicacious finale replete with timpani, a contrapuntal section, and some soft moments of reflection hidden within the lively theme.

The "Clock" symphony, no 101 in D major is named for the tick-tock accompaniment figure in the second movement which is forever endearing. This movement gradually rises to a moment of passion as it develops. The work also features a lively opening movement, a lengthy minuet, and an outstanding finale that works from an inocuous opening to complex counterpoint.

The symphonies with nicknames are the easiest way to introduce the London set, but the symphonies without these names are on the same high plane. The first of the London set is symphony no. 93, also in D major. A memorable moment of this work is the opening of the second movement, which Haydn scores for a string quartet. The movement becomes rather introspective as it proceeds, but Haydn brings it back to earth with a toot on the bassoon at the close. The symphony opens with a slow. detailed introduction followed by an opening movement that develops two lively and lyrical themes.

The 97th symphony is the last of twenty Haydn symphonies in C major, a key he used for regal, ceremonial effect. The work opens with a surprisingly quiet slow introduction followed by an opening movement that develops broadly from many repetitions of the basic chord of C major.

The 99th symphony in E-flat major is the first in which Haydn used clarinets and, from the opening chord, clarinets play a major role in the texture of this work. This is one of the more complex symphonies of the London set, with a harmonically adventurous slow introduction followed by a movement that emphasizes the second of its two major themes. The slow movement is deeply intense and also stresses the second of the two primary themes on which it is based. After a lyrical, restrained opening, the movement turns to the minor key in a dramatic section before returning to the opening material, substantially embellished. The minuet combines elements of both courtliness and earthiness while the finale is rapid and culminates in a fugal passage. The 99th is one of the finest symphonies of an outstanding series.

This set, and its companion recording of the remaining six London symphonies, make a wonderful introduction to a great composer.

Robin Friedman

Excellent, but beware of Davis' groaning.......2005-02-23

Excellent recordings in general, as pointed out by others.

But Davis' groaning is very audible and ANNOYING in places. He does the same on most of his more recent LSO recordings.

Why do conductors groan/grunt away and spoil their recordings so often?

Jochum/DG is another great set of the London symphonies, and doesn't have conductor noises!

GOOD, BUT!.......2004-07-15

This set is good of course, but if you are looking for great performances for EACH of Haydn's 12 London symphony, you may want to buy individual discs. Here is my collection of the 12 'London' Masterpieces.
Symphony 93: Goodman/Hanover Band (Hyperion 66532)
Symphony 94: Monteux/Vienna Phil (Decca 452893-2)
Symphony 95: Britten/ECO (BBC 8008)
Symphony 96: Harnoncourt/Concg. Orchestra (Teldec/Warner 21337-2)
Symphony 97: Szell/Cleveland (Sony 67175)
Symphony 98: Jochum/LPO (DG 437 201-2)
Symphony 99: Davis/Concg. Orchestra (Phillips 442 614-2)
Symphony 100: Walter/Columbia (Sony 64485)
Symphony 101: Mackerras/St. Luke's (Telarc)
Symphony 102: Dorati/Philharmonia Hungarica (Decca 452 259-2)
Symphony 103: Kuijken/La Petite Bande (DHM 77362)
Symphony 104: Hickox/Collegium Musicum 90 (Chandos 0655)

Grand, Warm, Rich, Mature Symphony.......2003-05-07

Culmination of a marvelous life in composition are these London Symphonies.

Here, in one of the highest rated collections Sir Colin Davis leads the Royalo Concertgebouw Orchestra in over 150 minutes of some of the premier symphonic sounds of all times. There is style and substance in their treatment and the crisp, clean recording is marvelous at any price, but even better at this mid-range bargain.

I especially have fond of No. 93 and of course, No. 102 with its melodic richness and inventive harmony. His element of surpirse is always robust and mysterious, as here the third note spells departure.

Tracks:

Sym No.103 in E-flat 'Drum Roll': Adagio; Allegro Con Spirito
Sym No.103 in E-flat 'Drum Roll': Andante Piu Tosto Allegretto
Sym No.103 in E-flat 'Drum Roll': Menuet;Trio
Sym No.103 in E-flat 'Drum Roll': Finale: Allegro Con Spirito
Sym No.96 in D 'Miracle': Adagio; Allegro - Hugh Bean/Nicolas Whiting
Sym No.96 in D 'Miracle': Andante - Hugh Bean/Nicolas Whiting
Sym No.96 in D 'Miracle': Menuetto: Allegro-Trio-Menuetto: Allegretto - John Anderson
Sym No.96 in D 'Miracle': Finale: Vivace (Assai)
Sym No.102 in B-Flat: Largo; Allegro vivace - Matthias Feile
Sym No.102 in B-Flat: Adagio - Matthias Feile
Sym No.102 in B-Flat: Menuetto: Allegro-Trio-Menuetto Da Capo
Sym No.102 in B-Flat: Finale: Presto

Average customer rating:

Vigorous, But Far Away
Outstanding accounts!

Haydn: The "London" Symphonies, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Philips
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: London Symphonies

ASIN: B00005O840
Release Date: 2001-09-04

Tracks:

Symphony No.95 In C Minor (Allegro Moderato)
Symphony No.95 In C Minor (Andante)
Symphony No.95 In C Minor (Menuetto E Trio)
Symphony No.95 In C Minor (Finale: Vivace)
Symphony No.98 In B Flat Major (Adagio Allegro)
Symphony No.98 In B Flat Major (Adagio Cantabile)
Symphony No.98 In B Flat Major (Menuetto E Trio: Allegro)
Symphony No.98 In B Flat Major (Finale: Presto)
Symphony No.101 In D Major, "The Clock" (Adagio Presto)
Symphony No.101 In D Major, "The Clock" (Andante)
Symphony No.101 In D Major, "The Clock" (Menuetto E Trio: Allegretto)
Symphony No.101 In D Major, "The Clock" (Finale: Vivace)
Symphony No.96 In D Major, "The Miracle" (Adagio Allegro)
Symphony No.96 In D Major, "The Miracle" (Andante)
Symphony No.96 In D Major, "The Miracle" (Menuetto E Trio: Allegretto)
Symphony No.96 In D Major, "The Miracle" (Finale: Vivace Assai)
Symphony No.100 In G Major, "Military" (Agagid Allegro)
Symphony No.100 In G Major, "Military" (Allegretto)
Symphony No.100 In G Major, "Military" (Menuetto E Trio: Moderato)
Symphony No.100 In G Major, "Military" (Finale: Presto)
Symphony No.104 In D Major "London" (Adagio Allegro)
Symphony No.104 In D Major "London" (Andante)
Symphony No.104 In D Major "London" (Menuetto E Trio: Allegro)
Symphony No.104 In D Major "London" (Finale: Spirito)

Customer Reviews:

Vigorous, But Far Away.......2006-03-11

For me this Bruggen disc of Haydn symphonies is very frustrating. While the performances, as noted above, are quite vigorous and fresh, the exceptionally quiet live recording makes me feel like I'm listening from the nosebleed seats. Whatever advantage is gained by using original instruments is mostly lost on my ears, even on headphones, in the resonant distance. It's no exaggeration to say I have mono recordings from the 50's with more presence and immediacy than these 80's digital productions.

Outstanding accounts!.......2005-04-18

Unlike Colin Davis' "London" Symphonies, also on Philips Duo, Frans Brüggen's Haydn performances were recorded in concert. One of the great things about Brüggen's Haydn is the terrific attention to detail he takes over the choice of instruments, providing a better impression of what these instruments sounded like in Haydn's day than you'll hear on any other recording. These symphonies receive performances of astounding bravura...not that the Davis recordings with the Concertgebouw lack anything at all in technical excellence. But in Haydn, clever part-writing isn't heard when the first and second violins are lumped together, and Brüggen's natural trumpets and period winds all help to bring the astonishing resourcefulness of Haydn's music completely to life. If you can afford it, get both Philips Duo sets with Brüggen and Davis. You'll have the very finest of all available choices.

Average customer rating:

Fine Performances of Great Music

Haydn: London Symphonies, Vol. 2

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Haydn: London Symphonies Vol. 1

ASIN: B000050432
Release Date: 2001-01-23

Tracks:

Sym No.101 in D 'The Clock': I. Adagio - Presto
Sym No.101 in D 'The Clock': II. Andante
Sym No.101 in D 'The Clock': III. Menuet & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.101 in D 'The Clock': IV. Finale: Vivace
Sym No.94 in G 'Surprise': I. Adagio - Vivace Assai
Sym No.94 in G 'Surprise': II. Andante
Sym No.94 in G 'Surprise': III. Menuet & Trio: Allegro Molto
Sym No.94 in G 'Surprise': IV. Finale: Allegro Di Molto
Sym No.102 in B flat: I. Largo
Sym No.102 in B flat: II. Adagio
Sym No.102 in B flat: III. Menuet & Trio: Allegro
Sym No.102 in B flat: IV. Finale: Presto

Amazon.com

It's surely no coincidence that Haydn's nicknamed symphonies are the most regularly played and recorded. Haydn the showman delighted in playing tricks on his audience, nowhere more so than in the "Clock" and the "Surprise" symphonies. But beyond the charming gimmicks, these works are masterpieces of form and melody and, along with Mozart's later symphonies, represent the apogee of the Classical symphony before Beethoven and the stormy Romantics began rocking the boat. The ticking motif of the "Clock" seems to encapsulate the rational Age of Enlightenment; the unexpected crescendos of the "Surprise" affectionately mock it. The third work on this disc, Symphony No. 102, lacks both a nickname and a gimmick, but all three share a sublime slow movement flanked by outer movements of great vivacity and life-affirming joy. This second volume of "London" symphonies from Richard Hickox and his period-instrument band, Collegium Musicum 90, displays the same estimable qualities as the the first: a sure grasp of nuance, crisp tempos, and, above all, marvelously unfussy readings. Here, the emphasis is simply on Haydn's music, and neither conductor nor orchestra indulges in anything to draw undue attention to themselves. Take the surprise in the "Surprise" symphony, for example, which is neither underplayed nor overdramatic. Or the brisk opening "Presto" of the "Clock," whose inherent joyfulness is projected entirely without affectation. Impeccable Chandos engineering guarantees that these much-loved, oft-recorded works have rarely sounded fresher. --Mark Walker

Customer Reviews:

Fine Performances of Great Music.......2001-02-03

First of all, the amazon.com reviewer really should try to avoid using terms like "not drawing undue attention to themselves" as terms of praise! Music doesn't really exist until it's performed, and performers who don't draw attention to themselves are usually performers who aren't doing anything at all--and that's no good.

Luckily, Hickox is not that kind of musician, though he's clearly more conservative, less flamboyant than Frans Bruggen or Nikolaus Harnoncourt. His performances of Haydn are graceful and generally lighthearted, though unlike some conductors he doesn't underplay Haydn's dynamic contrasts or the drama in movements like the minuet of symphony no. 102. His tempi are sensibly chosen, a bit faster than usual in opening movements and a bit slower than usual in finales, and with the help of his excellent period orchestra and the superb Chandos sound, brings out all sorts of wonderful details of harmony and orchestration, though some might wish that the drums were more prominently recorded.