Haydn: London Trios/Divertissements

Franz Joseph Haydn (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025PQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #121,705 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars SPARKLING HAYDN TRIFLES, November 9, 2000

By 

Melvyn M. Sobel "Melvyn M. Sobel" (Freeport, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Haydn: London Trios/Divertissements (Audio CD)

These are utterly delightful "diversions" by Haydn performed by an equally delightful ensemble. Don't look for top drawer"Papa," here: these are more "chips" from the notepad of a composer genius... bagatelles. But what bubbly, frothy stuff, and sandwiched between, warmly endearing sentiment. Nothing more; but nothing less, either. And we're the better for it. Afterall, Haydn, even uninspired, is still, well, Haydn.

Some caveats, unfortunately:

[1] Of prime concern is the ridiculously short timing accorded this CD. At full price, this is absurd and, naturally, a major determinant;
[2] Of secondary concern, at least to me, is the fact that individual trios and divertimenti are "block tracked" as wholes, their separate movements not accessible individually, and, thirdly;
[3] The producers have seen fit to place "London" Trio No. 4 after the two Divertimenti, rather than following, as it should, "London" Trio No. 3. Naturally, we can program the CD however we like (to compensate for this inanity); but, whose bright idea was this, anyway, and what rationale? Most disconcerting the production "brains" at large record companies!

Regardless, the works at hand are most pleasing, inventive, each with something to offer and something to say (however minor). Rampal, Stern and Rostropovich play beautifully, and they are captured most realistically. Indeed! Exemplary sound that never fails to place these great artists in one's presence at the touch of a button!

Thoroughly recommended, despite the caveats.

[Running time: 42:29]

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haydn's genius with world-class performance and recording!, November 29, 1999

By 

T. Consing (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Haydn: London Trios/Divertissements (Audio CD)

This is one CD any classical listener--whether novice or enthusiast--will love! Here's undeniable proof that Haydn was not only master of the symphony, but the chamber work as well. His London Trios and Divertissements are not as popular (indeed, these still aren't easily found in music stores), but they are certainly among his most beautiful of compositions. And who could ask for a better ensemble than three of the greatest musicians of our time? Truly breathtaking, spirited performance!

This CBS Masterworks recording demonstrates digital sound at its best: clean, crisp sound that has miles of dynamic range and channel separation. This is one CD I never fail to bring along to test-drive audio equipment at the showroom.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, June 23, 2011

By 

DMax - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Haydn: London Trios/Divertissements (Audio CD)

I seldom listen to a CD multiple times right after receiving it but I have done so with this one. It has remained in my car player for weeks now and I haven't grown tired of it yet. I highly reccomend it. I have loved Haydn's string quartets for years and when I happened to see this CD I immediately ordered it. The compositions are wonderful and the performances and supererb. Enjoy!