Customer Reviews

Early London Symphonies

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When I first heard Szell's reading of the 94th symphony I only knew Bernstein's recording on DG. I remember that it totally swept away my feet. I had to play the second movement over and over again. As if I did'nt know the piece or as if I suddenly realized what wonderful music this was. Szell's conducting is simply sine qua non - especially in the vigorous menuets. I've since come to know Beecham's recording these symphonies but I'll stick to Szell's - mainly because he has got this marvellous orchestra with him, maybe the only orchestra in the world which can play chamber-like in tutti-parts.

When I first heard George Szell and the Cleveland Orch. perform Haydn's 93rd symphony, it was like hearing a revelation. There are other very fine recordings. But, this one is superior - it conveys the composer's joy, intelligence, diligence and good nature. This is the way Haydn should be heard.

If you are new to classical music and would like to try some of Haydn's greatest symphonies, this set is for you. With the Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell had the perfect instrument for these great masterpieces. You might want to start with the very last track. It is the finale of Sym. No. 98. The playing is so gorgeous and the performance so inspired, you could easily fall in love with this music on first hearing. Then there is the slow movement of 93 where the composer has the bassoon play one very low note quite loud. You will probably know what the sound is and what it represents. It is very funny. There are times where the playing is so precise that it sounds a little stiff but don't let that bother you. The performances are beautiful, the playing as close to perfection as one could ever wish for.