Customer Reviews

Haydn: London Trios/Divertissements

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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]

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.

Considerado por mucho tiempo el mejor flautista de todo el mundo, Jean-Pierre Rampal (recientemente fallecido) nos ha dejado un legado sensacional de obras, que van desde la música "clásica" hasta interpretaciones de jazz (son legendarias sus grabaciones con Bolling) y de música exótica (la colección "East meets West con Ravi Shankar y Yehudi Menuhin introduce al escucha a un mundo nuevo de apreciación musical). Esto significa que un disco en que participe Rampal es sinónimo de una enorme calidad interpretativa, casi sin importar la obra de que se trate. Si a lo anterior añadimos que el violín es interpretado por Isaac Stern y el violoncello por Mstislav Rostropovich (otras dos leyendas en sus respectivos instrumentos), tenemos aquí un disco que difícilmente puede ser igualado. Y no importa que no se usen "instrumentos de la época", la claridad del sonido y la fuerza que imprimen a estas obras de Haydn hacen de este disco una compra segura en todos los aspectos.

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!

What can one say, but "Magnifico"!!!!These little works are packed with such delightful and beautiful passages, one can't help but love them. Yes, the lack of individual separate track files are an obstacle, but who cares. The performance and recording is there, and is it ever!!!!That should be your main concern. Also, take a look at the line-up, could it get any better? At the time of the recording probably not; and each of them play with a sense of equality as to make the performance as Haydn intended. This is Haydn relaxing and enjoying a frothy cold austrian brew. Anyone who enjoys 18th century chamber music should include this recording in their collection; it is very underrated and probably unknown to many. However, it is truly a hidden gem and I am glad it is in my collection. It is truly a great recording. If you enjoy this recording, you need to look at JB Vanhal's and Mozart's Flute Quartets, they are excellent as well.

Considerado por mucho tiempo el mejor flautista de todo el mundo, Jean-Pierre Rampal (recientemente fallecido) nos ha dejado un legado sensacional de obras, que van desde la música "clásica" hasta interpretaciones de jazz (son legendarias sus grabaciones con Bolling) y de música exótica (la colección "East meets West con Ravi Shankar y Yehudi Menuhin introduce al escucha a un mundo nuevo de apreciación musical). Esto significa que un disco en que participe Rampal es sinónimo de una enorme calidad interpretativa, casi sin importar la obra de que se trate. Si a lo anterior añadimos que el violín es interpretado por Isaac Stern y el violoncello por Mstislav Rostropovich (otras dos leyendas en sus respectivos instrumentos), tenemos aquí un disco que difícilmente puede ser igualado. Y no importa que no se usen "instrumentos de la época", la claridad del sonido y la fuerza que imprimen a estas obras de Haydn hacen de este disco una compra segura en todos los aspectos.