Haydn: Complete Symphonies (33 CD Box Set) [Box set]

Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer), Adam Fischer (Conductor), Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra (Orchestra), Wolfgang Herzer (Performer), Gerhard Turetschek (Performer), Rainer Kuchl (Performer), Michael Werba (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Wolfgang Herzer, Gerhard Turetschek, Rainer Kuchl, Michael Werba
• Orchestra: Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra
• Conductor: Adam Fischer
• Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
• Audio CD (August 27, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 33
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Brilliant Classics
• ASIN: B00006GA50
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #120,277 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Unbeatable bargain, March 10, 2003

By 

Michael Whincop (GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QLD AUSTRALIA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Haydn: Complete Symphonies (33 CD Box Set) (Audio CD)

For a long time, there was a stereotype that performances on conventional instruments tend to be polished but staid and conservative, while those on period instruments tend to be a bit rough but exciting and vibrant. This set neatly destroys that generalization with a set of performances that are remarkable in their consistent rejection of routine, and their idiomatic communicative nature --- without sacrificing considerable professional virtuosity from the orchestral musicians.

My favourite subset of Haydn's symphonies are the Sturm und Drang symphonies, and I've studied them closely in the readings by Bruggen, Pinnock and the terminated project by Weill and Tafelmusik. Of that set, I liked the Weill best with its bracing freshness, crisp tempi and orchestral flair. Fischer's recordings of the set are every bit as good, dramatically bringing the radical musical argument home to us. This excellence is maintained elsewhere --- the depths of the slow movement of No. 88 are explored (not as dramatic as Furtwaengler, it is true, but not embarassed by him, either), s is the richness of the Paris and London symphonies.

Compared to Dorati, this set is finer --- the contrast between minuets and slow movements is much better articulated. The recording is generally good, although the earlier symphonies are a bit over-resonant.

At Brilliant Classics prices, there should be no hesitation at all.

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars astounding value, excellent performances, December 2, 2004

By 

M. Bauer "M." (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Haydn: Complete Symphonies (33 CD Box Set) (Audio CD)

This set is truly one of those rare deals that is hard to pass up. Fischer recorded these symphonies for Nimbus over the course of 14 years. The results are excellent, all digital recordings made in the hall where Haydn was in residence for a large portion of his life. Brilliant has secured the rights to these recordings, and now offers them in a handsomely packaged box. Each CD is in a sturdy envelope, and the liner notes are informative.

I own "period" performances of several of these symphonies from Trevor Pinnock and The English Concert, and Fischer's intepretations are worthy contenders in my opinion. Fischer uses modern instruments combined with a period style of playing which is a very appealing combination. I've enjoyed every disc in this 33CD collection. Amazon's "new and used" partners frequently offer the entire set for under $100... at that price, you truly cannot afford to be without this set.

40 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Worth acquiring at any price, February 22, 2007

By 

Johnson Lee (Irvine, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Haydn: Complete Symphonies (33 CD Box Set) (Audio CD)

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.