Customer Reviews

Haydn: 29 Name Symphonies

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

 

 

This is a worthy acquisition and I'm glad it's in my collection. Even so, Marriner's success in these works is inversely proportional to their fame.

The London and Paris symphonies are a hotly contested domain. Marriner's performances are well-shaped, thoughtful and daintily played - and boring as bat-droppings. The same comment applies to La Matin, Le Midi & Le Soir; for all their rectitude, the readings are bland. The impact of period-practice on the wider market has shifted the ground on these recordings that sit half-way between Lenny / Karajan / Beecham & Hogwoodism. To my ears, readings of this kind are nearly unlistenable. Give me vice or give me virtue - not niceness.

On the other hand, obscure symphonies such as the Schoolmaster, La Roxelane, the Mercury and the Philosopher are stunningly played and recorded. Brio is in abundance. Sir Neville is at his swashbuckling best in La Passione, the Maria Theresia (what an opening movement) and the Funeral Symphony. Bucking the rule above, Sir Neville's Farewell Symphony is an unqualified success; there is a stillness and an inner poise to the last movement that are deeply moving. This box is the only way of acquiring these gun performances - hence the imperative.

The Lamentation (26) and Palindrome (47) are undertaken by Raymond Leppard, an underestimated conductor in this repertoire. They are memorably played. The slow movement of 26 with the Cantus Firmus ('the Lamentations of Jeremiah') is a masterpiece. This performance is the one to have.

There are actually three named symphonies missing: yes, the Alleluia and the Tempora Mutantur are both absent but so is the Echo (38). Each one of them is a cause for regret. The Echo in particular is such a skyrocket.

To sum up, these recordings were not a milestone in Haydn's discography like the Dorati cycle was, but at their best they will bring much joy into your life - and that was Haydn's intention.

I bought this for a CD copy of one or two symphonies as my tape had worn out and I wanted to get rid of the tape player anyhow. I've not yet listened to all of it, since I tend to play the parts I like over and over if I do take it out. It's an impressive collection and I don't regret the investment.

Wonderful and charming performance of the Haydn "name" symphonies. Because these are analogue re-mastered CDs there is a loss of richness and brightness which is a shame because the play is full of joy and vigor. Even so, it is a good value for the price and one soon becomes used to the "vinyl" sound.

Looking for something that contains just about all of Franz Joseph Haydn's named symphonies? Look no further, you found it. Sadly, I don't own this box set (wish I did), but it's probably the best one that shows what Haydn's symphonies were about. What a talent this man had to write 104 symphonies, and have nearly 30 of them given nicknames (mostly of the nicknames were given by the general public at the time rather than the composer himself.) A perfect ensemble and conductor is picked: the Acaademy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields led by Sir Neville Marriner.
Completely essential, except for one flaw. It's missing two named symphonies: No. 30 in C Major "Alleluia" and No. 64 in A Major "Tempora Mutantur". That shouldn't dissuade you from purchasing this excellent set. I've never heard how they're played by this orchestra. I've heard other orchestras play these symphonies, but not by ASMIF and Sir Neville Marriner. Take my advice and get this set. You're getting your money's worth.