Joseph Haydn: London Symphonies Nos. 101 & 102

1. Symphony No. 101 in D major ("Clock"), H. 1/101
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
with Makoto Akatsu , Emmanuel Balssa , Lorenzo Coppola , Alain DeRijckere , Tom DeVaere , Piet Dombrecht , Benoit Douchy , Pierluigi Fabretti , Chris Farr , Catherine Girard , Marc Hantai , Paul Herrera , Antoinette van den Hombergh

2. Symphony No. 102 in B flat major, H. 1/102
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
with Makoto Akatsu , Dmitry Badiarov , Emmanuel Balssa , Alfredo Bernardini , Igor Bettens , Lorenzo Coppola , Alain DeRijckere , Tom DeVaere , Ewald Demeyere , Piet Dombrecht , Catherine Girard , Marc Hantai , Paul Herrera , Simon Heyerick , Antoinette van den Hombergh , Ulrich Hubner

Joseph Haydn: London Symphonies Nos. 101 & 102,Eric Mathot,James Munro,Margaret Urquhart,Tom DeVaere,Alain DeRijckere,Philippe Miqueu,Ricardo Rapoport,Emmanuel Balssa,Hidemi Suzuki,Rene Schiffer,Igor Bettens,Lorenzo Coppola,Toru Sakamoto,Franz Joseph Haydn,Ryo Terakado,Sigiswald Kuijken,Frank Theuns,Marc Hantai,Chris Farr,Piet Dombrecht,Rafael Vosseler,Ulrich Hubner,Alfredo Bernardini,Ann Vanlancker,Pierluigi Fabretti,La Petite Bande,Ewald Demeyere,Graham Nicholson,Thibaud Robinne,Eva Roll,Kaori Toda,Makoto Akatsu,Marleen Thiers,Mihoko Kimura,Paul Herrera,Sara Kuijken,Simon Heyerick,Alda Stuurop,Antoinette van den Hombergh,Benoit Douchy,Catherine Girard,Dmitry Badiarov,Guya Martinini,Jean Joo Kim,Luis Otavio Santos,Michiyo Kondo,Penny Spencer,RCA

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 93-104, The London Symphonies
Average customer rating:

Worth acquiring at any price.

Very enjoyable

Terrible recordings ruin decent performances.

The ones who know it best

A wonderful collection

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 93-104, The London Symphonies

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000064AU
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

Sym. No. 93 in D major: Adagio - Allegro assai - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 93 in D major: Largo cantabile - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 93 in D major: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 93 in D major: Finale: Presto ma non troppo - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 94 in G Major: Adagio - Vivace assai - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 94 in G Major: Andante - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 94 in G Major: Menuet & Trio: Allegro molto - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 94 in G Major: Finale: Allegro di molto - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 95 in C Major: Allegro moderato - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 95 in C Major: Andante - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 95 in C Major: Menuetto & Trio - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 95 in C Major: Final: Vivace - J. Haydn

Tracks:

Sym. No. 96 in D major: Adagio - Allegro - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 96 in D major: Andante - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 96 in D major: Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 96 in D major: Finale: Vivace (assai) - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 97 in C major: Adagio - Vivace - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 97 in C major: Adagio ma non troppo - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 97 in C major: Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 97 in C major: Finale: Presto assai - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 98 in B-flat Major: Adagio - Allegro - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 98 in B-flat Major: Adagio - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 98 in B-flat Major: Menuet & Trio: Allegro - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 98 in B-flat Major: Finale: Presto - J. Haydn

Tracks:

Symphony No. 99 in E-flat Major: Adagio - Vivace assai - J. Haydn
Symphony No. 99 in E-flat Major: Adagio - J. Haydn
Symphony No. 99 in E-flat Major: Menuet & Trio: Allegretto - J. Haydn
Symphony No. 99 in E-flat Major: Finale: Vivace - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 100 in G Major: Adagio - Allegro - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 100 in G Major: Allegretto - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 100 in G Major: Menuet & Trio: Moderato - J. Haydn
Sym. No. 100 in G Major: Finale: Presto - J. Haydn

Tracks:

Sym No. 101 in D Major (Clock): Adagio --Presto - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 101 in D Major (Clock): Andante - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 101 in D Major (Clock): Menuet & Trio: Allegretto - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 101 in D Major (Clock): Finale: Vivace - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 102 in B-Flat Major (Miracle): Largo - Allegro vivace - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 102 in B-Flat Major (Miracle): Adagio - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 102 in B-Flat Major (Miracle): Menuetto & Trio: Allegro - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 102 in B-Flat Major (Miracle): Finale: Presto - Joseph Haydn

Tracks:

Sym No. 103 in E-Flat Major (Drumroll): Adagio - Allegro con spirito - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 103 in E-Flat Major (Drumroll): Andante pito allegretto - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 103 in E-Flat Major (Drumroll): Menuet & Trio - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 103 in E-Flat Major (Drumroll): Finale: Allegro con spirito - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 104 in D Major (London): Adagio - Allegro - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 104 in D Major (London): Andante - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 104 in D Major (London): Menuetto & Trio: Allegro - Joseph Haydn
Sym No. 104 in D Major (London): Finale: Spiritoso - Joseph Haydn

Customer Reviews:

Worth acquiring at any price........2007-02-23

Some say Haydn's ingenuity is even greater than that of Mozart's or Beethoven's. When listening to this brilliantly played set, I find myself becoming a convert of the belief. Haydn experimented with a variety of musical tools in these works. Surprising twists and turns are abundant. You will hear chamber serenade, harpsichord run, or violin solo in the most unexpected spots. Instruments are sometimes played in very unconventional ways resulting in exotic sounds - similar to what Berlioz and Mahler did later. Structure is toyed with in many symphonies, especially in the early ones.

In Austro-Hungrarian Orchestra, Adam Fischer finds an all-in chef's toolkit needed to cook these delightful ingredients. The woodwinds not only sing but also coo and meow. Strings melt your heart to a puddle with their exquisite pianissimo. Horns are expressive yet stylish. The whole orchestra knows how to knock themselves out when the music calls for it. The overall timbre is unlike any other orchestra I've ever heard, period or conventional. It's bright, edgy and folksy at the same time. It sounds like a virtuosic chamber ensemble rather than an orchestra except in the big symphonies. I believe the closest thing to their sound is Vienna Philharmonic playing Johann Strauss waltzes. Throw in a hint of gypsy flavor then it would be even closer.

Because this is a massive 33-CD set, there are inevitably a few imperfections. In a handful of spots the strings are not perfectly together. Adding to this, some of the violins have very distinctive tones which don't blend well with others when the music gets energetic. As to the engineering, some of the symphonies recorded early in the cycle are captured with too much reverberation, especially some London symphonies which sound soft-edged. But let me assure you the vast majority of the 100 plus symphonies have been recorded with crystal-clear brilliance.

One may find more sophisticated and smooth playing in some conventional performances (Colin Davis and Jochum) or crisper articulations in some period recordings (Bruggen and Pinnock). But Fischer and his hand-picked orchestra deliver more character and expressiveness than in any Haydn performances I've ever heard. Harnoncourt comes close but Fischer's set has more smiles. And his orchestra has the devilish ability to accommodate any mood Haydn's score throws at them - whether it's charm, wit, panache, or pathos. Their playing in slow movements is simply inimitable.

This set will be the source of joy for many Haydn lovers whether they are beginners just opening up the treasure chest or seasoned collectors with many other Haydn CDs. According to others' opinions, it compares favorably to Dorati's box, the only other complete set which I have not heard.

One final point - I wrote the review without the consideration of the price. In other words, this set is worth acquiring at any price.

Very enjoyable.......2002-03-23

I have enjoyed these discs quite a bit. The playing is fabulous, and the conducting is fine. Sometimes the engineering is a little muddy, but not near enough to destroy my pleasure.

For the ultimate London symphonies, I highly recommend Beecham on EMI. No one has matched his charm and wit with the drama. Fischer's recordings are great; Beecham is awesome!

Terrible recordings ruin decent performances........2001-12-11

Overmiked, overmixed recordings that sound very unnatural, wasting their authentic recording venue. Bass is boomy and muddy on some of them. The performances themselves are OK, but generally too slow and relaxed for my tastes. I would recommend the Colin Davis set on Philips instead. It contains warmly-recorded performances, none of which falls short of excellent, and it comes on only 4 discs, which comes out to about the same price as this Fischer set, and you only have to buy 2 at once.

The ones who know it best.......2000-05-16

I suppose it's a tad bit ethnocentric to assume that because Fischer and the Haydn Orchestra are Hungarian they'd be able to play Haydn better than anyone else, but in this case I feel it's true. Aside from having a high level of technical skill, the orchestra puts real verve and life into their performances. (You will never listen to another recording of the "Military" symphony again.) This is coupled with Fischer's flair for the dramatic; endings are rallentandoed appropriately, and each piece shines with the sense that it is being thoroughly interpreted, not just perfunctorily played through. A rather muffled-sounding recording of the "Clock" symphony and some blurriness in the first movement of the "Military" does not detract from the overall greatness of these interpretations. Ethnocentric or not, these players know what they're doing.

A wonderful collection.......2000-03-29

This is an excellent collection of Haydn symphonies. It is the highest numbered volume in an 8 volume set although it is not the last to be produced. Volumes 5 and 2 are forthcoming and will be available in October of 2000 and 2001 respectively. (I contacted the record label to find out...that's how much I enjoy this set) It is a full digital recording and has no discernable technical flaws. The performances are beautifully done. If you are looking for a complete collection of Haydn symphonies - this is one piece of the set I would recommend.

Haydn: The London Symphonies Nos. 93-104

Average customer rating:

Clean performances in lovely sound, but that's not enough
The most enjoyable Haydn I own
Romantic Haydn

Haydn: The London Symphonies Nos. 93-104

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
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Berlioz: Harold en Italie
Schumann - The Symphonies / Barenboim, Berlin Staatskapelle
Mahler: Das Klagend Lied
Mahler - The Symphonies / Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Robert Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1-4

ASIN: B0001Y4JHK
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Clean performances in lovely sound, but that's not enough.......2007-04-27

No one should expect the fire-eating Solti when it comes to Haydn. As its often his wont, his driven style becomes quite tame--the same thing happens in Beethoven. Eerything here is cleanly played, and the sound provided by the ?Decca engineers falls gracefully on the ear. The London Phil. has the distinciton of two "London" symphony cycles, this one and another on DG with Eugen Jochum. They play beter for Solti, and his direct, unfussy approach, though semi-anonymous, is preerable to Jochum's plodding dullness and heavy hand.

That said, I never smiled while listening to these readings. There's no depth or humor to be had here, unlike the marvelous Beecham and equally impressive Bernstein. Tempos are moderate throughout, with no surprises in either the fast or slow movements; happily, the Minuets are light-footed. I won't run through each symphony because they all follow the same model---each is precise, respectful, and unexceptionable. For me, that's jsut not enough to make this great music come alive.

The most enjoyable Haydn I own.......2006-07-29

I bought this set with some trepidation, because I had a hard time conceptualizing what Solti's Haydn might be. The fullness, sheer size and gloss of the sound at first struck me as stylistically incorrect, but that impression rapidly faded, and now Solti's Haydn easily eclipses the competing sets I've owned. The overrated Davis set is positively lackluster by comparison, (and contains annoying noises from the musicians). Solti's outer movements are a little faster than Davis', the inner movements a little slower. But this scarcely matters, as every note on these recordings is played with such warm-hearted exhuberance and recorded so brilliantly, each symphony seduces the listener on its own. The recordings are remarkably consistent despite multiple producers and venues over a large span of time. Every recording is very clean and contains no distracting noises even on my in-th-ear headphones. I've got other Haydn by Goodman, Muller-Bruhl, Marriner, Mackerras, La Petite band and others, but this set is the one I listen to the most.

Romantic Haydn.......2005-02-15

I am delighted to see these Solti recordings of The London Symphonies reissued. The London Symphonies have been interpreted in various ways by several different conductors. No one has a definitive interpretation. Each has their own strength and weaknesses. Solti's are big, imposing readings in the Romantic mode yet they catch the spirit of Haydn's wit and joy. While these performances have a firm, weighty tone, they are extemely fleet and nimble. They are never ponderous or heavy-footed. Rather, they are sparkling, vivid; naturally supple interpretations. Sometimes Solti's tempos can be too fast, especially in the 97th. One wishes for a larger bassoon belch in the 93rd. Solti's 95th is unsmiling for the most part. But now I am quibbling. I heartily commend these recordings for your Haydn collection.

Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 101 & 104

Average customer rating:

New life for these symphonies
The Ideal

Franz Joseph Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 101 & 104
Franz Joseph Haydn , Orchestra of St. Luke's , and Sir Charles Mackerras
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Haydn: Symphony No. 100 "Military"; Symphony No. 103 "Drumroll"
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Mozart: Symphonies No.25, No.28 & No.29

ASIN: B000003CYN
Release Date: 2002-08-27

Tracks:

I. Adagio; Presto
II. Andante
III. Menuet: Allegretto; Trio
IV. Finale: Vivace
I. Adagio; Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuet: Allegro; Trio
IV. Finale: Spiritoso

Amazon.com

Sir Charles Mackerras is one of the world's finest conductors. It's probably safe to say that he has never made a bad record, and his performances of music of the classical period, in particular, are always full of sparkle and excitement. Here, aided by some very polished and lively playing from the Orchestra of St. Luke's, he turns in super performances of two of Haydn's greatest symphonies. The Clock takes its name from the slow movement, which features a ticktock accompaniment to a graceful tune that rapidly evolves into one of Haydn's wittiest inspirations. The London symphony was the last of the twelve that Haydn wrote for his two visits to the English capital in the 1790s. This is wonderful music with great sound. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

New life for these symphonies.......2000-12-27

I've really grown to like Sir Charles and the Orchestra of St. Luke's, and this is perhaps their finest recording yet. As noted, they do a heck of a job putting life and vigor into these symphonies; it really sounds like the players are having a good time playing as opposed to just reading some notes on a page. The sharp accents and powerful dynamic changes here made these sound almost like Romantic-era compositions, showing off the true wit and innovation of Papa Haydn's music. In particular, the minuets gain a lot of sparkle from their up-tempo treatment--it's disconcerting at first, but it makes them sound like actual movements as opposed to drudgery to get through before the finale (the way they admittedly always were for philistines like me). Yes, there are some hard moments to stomach on this CD--the strings get drowned out by the winds at an occasional crucial spot (the ends of the finales of both symphonies), and there are points where the dynamics could have been interpreted with more care. But so what? The end result is a CD that combines powerful playing with exceptionally skillful technique, and brings an astonishing amount of new life to these oft-played symphonies. Given the expansive playing venues and enthusiastic audiences in London, this is most likely the way Haydn meant his music to sound. It definitely got me listening to these works again.

The Ideal.......2000-05-07

Sir Charles Mackerras's recordings of a handful of Haydn's symphonies are less well known than his complete Mozart cycle. This is most unfortunate, for his Haydn is even better than his Mozart. Some critics felt that Mackerras's historically informed Mozart performances, while technically superb, were a bit lacking in feeling. Such is certainly not the case with this disc, which more than any other recording (even Hogwood's outstanding 'Surprise' and 'Miracle' symphonies - sadly now out of print) has convinced me of the value of authentic 'period' performing style. I have listened to much Haydn: 'big band,' 'original instruments' and everything in between; nothing has satisfied me as much as this disc. Here is period performance at its best: faithful to Haydn's tempi and repeats, yet performed on modern instruments. The most common, but most misguided, objection will be to the speed of the minuets. Haydn's minuets were never intended to be true, i.e., dance-able, minuets. Mackerras's (and Weil's and Hogwood's) tempi only seem too brisk to those who have gotten used to hearing Haydn played much too slowly by romantic interpreters. Listen to these performances for awhile, and the usual renditions will seem unbearably sluggish. Telarc's recorded sound is excellent, as usual. This is, for me at least, the Ideal recording of the 'London' and the 'Clock.'

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 83 "Hen", 101 "Clock", 104 "London"

Average customer rating:

Karajan was devoted to Haydn, but these performances lack lightness and ease

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 83 "Hen", 101 "Clock", 104 "London"

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0009NDKVE
Release Date: 2005-08-16

Tracks:

I. Allegro Spiritoso
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
IV. Finale: Vivace
I. Allegro - Presto
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
IV. Finale: Vivace
I. Allegro - Allegro
II. Andante
III. Menuetto: Allegro - Trio
IV. Finale: Spiritoso

Customer Reviews:

Karajan was devoted to Haydn, but these performances lack lightness and ease.......2006-09-15

Haydn's genialaity and ease didn't come naturally to Karajan. He was devoted to the composer. No one except Bernstein, among the superstar conductors of the era, recorded more of his music. But where Bernstein found Haydn a natural fit with his own ebullience, Karajan tended to force the issue. These three performances from 1971 and 1975 bring out the best and worst of Karajan's approach. They are big in scale (half a shade smaller than Beethoven), highly polished, and beautifully executed. But "The Hen," despite some cheerful pecking in the first movement, grows fierce, the "Clock" lacks wit, and only the "London" Sym. takes well to Karajan's wide-screen expansion.

It's all too loud, too forced. The four stars are deserved, I think, for the sheer magnificence of the presentation. Other listeners may flee in horror.

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 101 "The Clock", 102, 103 "Drumroll", 104 "London"

Average customer rating:

This about That
Harnoncourt's Fine Performances of Haydn's Last Symphonies

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 101 "The Clock", 102, 103 "Drumroll", 104 "London"

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000006CRT
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Tracks:

Symphony No. 101 'The Clock' In D Major: Adagio - Presto
Symphony No. 101 'The Clock' In D Major: Andante
Symphony No. 101 'The Clock' In D Major: Menuet : Allegretto - Trio
Symphony No. 101 'The Clock' In D Major: Finale : Vivace
Symphony No. 102 In B Flat Major: Largo - Vivaci
Symphony No. 102 In B Flat Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 102 In B Flat Major: Menuet : Allegro - Trio
Finale : Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 103 'Drum Roll' In E Flat Major: Adagio - Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 103 'Drum Roll' In E Flat Major: Andante piu tosto - Allegretto
Symphony No. 103 'Drum Roll' In E Flat Major: Menuet
Symphony No. 103 'Drum Roll' In E Flat Major: Finale : Allgro con spirito
Symphony No. 104 'London' In D Major: Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 104 'London' In D Major: Andante
Symphony No. 104 'London' In D Major: Menuetto : Allegro - Trio
Symphony No. 104 'London' In D Major: Finale Spirituoso

Amazon.com essential recording

Like everything Nikolaus Harnoncourt does, his Haydn performances are full of fresh insights mingled with occasionally bizarre features. The minuet of the London Symphony is a case in point: almost incredibly fast, but also exciting as hell. Similarly, No. 103 begins not with the customary drumroll, but with an entire improvised timpani solo. All of this has its justification in the score, of course, only no other conductor has dared attempt the extremes of expression that seem to be the norm with this conductor. He is aided by the superb Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam--a group famed for the quality of its woodwind playing in particular. These performances will provide many hours of enjoyable, provocative listening to fans of the composer and newcomers alike. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

This about That.......2005-11-09

About 35 years of listening to "Classical Music" and Harnoncourt's handling of the andante of the "Clock" symphony completely changed my listening habits and the way I hear music. Think of a pleasant but unremarkable painting that's cleaned up a bit or seen under different lighting and it suddenly becomes a stunning masterpiece. I worried that I'd just missed something that was there in other performances but when I went back through my various recordings of this work, well, what Harnoncourt found just wasn't there. Worse, most conductors, even the best, just danced competently through this movement and missed the gold.

Harnoncourt's been arguing that Haydn was a far more advanced composer than we've taken him to be, more advanced even than his illustrious peers, and insightful interpretations of this sort add a lot of weight to that assessment. I'm now noticing this elsewhere in Haydn's music, thanks to these recordings.

Haydn's situation is reminding me of Berlioz's, and in the last century maybe Ives's--initially interesting and entertaining but essentially limited and shallow pools, that on closer inspection turn up being nearly bottomless.

Harnoncourt's Fine Performances of Haydn's Last Symphonies.......2001-05-18

I am surprised that Harnoncourt didn't record Haydn's last twelve symphonies with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. If he had, that orchestra's forces would have been more akin to those in Haydn's time. Instead, he records them with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; this two CD set contains the final four of Haydn's so-called twelve "London" symphonies. Here the results are rather compelling, but those who prefer more traditional readings of these symphonies from the likes of Sir Colin Davis and Eugen Jochum or even Leonard Bernstein, would be well advised to ignore Harnoncourt's. Harnoncourt often opts for brisk tempi, yet manages to give introspective readings that seem faithful to Haydn's original intentions. There are novel touches such as the improvised tympani solo at the opening of the 103rd "Clock" Symphony. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra responds enthusiastically to Harnoncourt's conducting, giving vibrant performances. Although this isn't my primary recommendation for Haydn's last four symphonies, it should be strongly considered because of its attractive price and Harnoncourt's novel interpretations.

Joseph Haydn: The London Symponies Nos. 101-4

Average customer rating:

Joseph Haydn: The London Symponies Nos. 101-4

Manufacturer: Musical Heritage Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0007OZ8Y2

Product Description

CD No 1: Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Clock; Symphony No 102 in B-Flat Major, Miracle. CD No 2: Symphony No. 103 in E-Flat Major, Drumroll; Symphony No 104 in D Major, London

Haydn: London Symphonies V.2 Nos. 95, 96, 98, 99, 101, 102

Average customer rating:

You cannot go wrong with Dorati
Still one of the top two recordings of Haydn's symphonies

Haydn: London Symphonies V.2 Nos. 95, 96, 98, 99, 101, 102
Dorati , and Philharmonia Hungarica
Manufacturer: Universal/Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B000009M5C

Customer Reviews:

You cannot go wrong with Dorati.......2005-01-05

Antal Dorati's legendary traversal of the Haydn symphonies was for many years the only complete set (by one conductor and orchestra) of the symphonies. Today, although there are some other complete sets as well as many great period performances, Dorati's cycle still reigns supreme. Dorati manages to make these works still sound fresh and vibrate after two hundred years. There is a level of spontaneity, as well as an ever obvious sense of joy that make the Dorati traversal the best. It may seem like hyperbole, but Dorati is as close as you will get to "perfect" when it comes to Haydn.

In these CDs, several of the popular "London" symphonies are glowing showcased. Although these performances were recorded in the 70s, the sound is crystal clear. I strongly suggest buying this CD not only for the fantastic music but also for the chance to become acquainted with Dorati. Soon you will find yourself purchasing the complete 33 disc set.

Still one of the top two recordings of Haydn's symphonies.......2003-08-10

Back when it first was released nearly 40 years ago, Dorati's recording of the complete Haydn symphonies with the Philharmonia Hungarica was quickly recognized as a great milestone achievement in classical music. It has long been a recipient of the coveted Penguin Guide rosette, indicating a unique and treasured recording. The quality of the playing, the sensitivity of direction, the consistency of performance, the clarity and depth of sound--all these are still impeccable, as evinced by the continued availability of the complete box set in the catalog, even at exorbitant new prices or only slightly reduced used prices. People are still willing to buy--even longing to buy--this complete set. It is rivalled only by Adam Fischer's recording.

These selections (together with vol. 1) comprise the "London" symphonies, numbers 93 to 104 complete, the symphonies composed by the maestro for and during his second and last visit to the well-paying public of London, where Haydn was lionized as the greatest living composer. These symphonies are widely and correctly recognized as the crowning achievement of Haydn's virtual invention of the classical symphony and its elevation to the major form of classical music written for a large public audience, as his compeers, Mozart (Haydn's good friend) and Beethoven (his quondam student), soon realized--in every sense of that word.

Customer Reviews:

Beware: Misleading Info on this listing.......2005-08-23

This listing is supposed to be for Sigiswald Kuijken's superb recording with La Petite Bande of Haydn's 101st & 102nd Symphonies:
Deutsche Harmonia Mundi 05472 77351 2, part of his complete series of all 12 "London" Symphonies - a very desirable coupling, but out of print and hard to find.

Unfortunately, Amazon's listing is hopelessly messed up: wrong label, misleading list of performers, and, worst of all, a picture of Martin Haselbock's Novalis recording of the same listing.

So if you order this one used, be sure to contact the seller first to make sure you know what you're getting.

Haydn: London Symphonies Nos. 101 & 102 [Germany]

Average customer rating:

Haydn: London Symphonies Nos. 101 & 102 [Germany]
Kuijken , and Petite Bande
Manufacturer: Deutsche Harmonia Mun
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00005UW56
Release Date: 2002-07-19

Track Listings: