Joseph Haydn, The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman - Symphonies 85-87

Monday 1st August 1994
Joseph Haydn, The Hanover Band, Roy Goodman - Symphonies 85-87

STYLE: Classical
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 29320-
LABEL: Hyperion 66535
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by John Irvine

Times have certainly changed: in Haydn's day audiences had a voracious appetite for new works and musical societies competed with one another to obtain commissions from the up and coming composers of the day, or better still, to obtain the composers' presence for the 18th century equivalent of a concert tour. Symphonies and other works were written to amuse and entertain audiences, as well as to show off the talents of either the composer or a virtuoso performer. Perhaps these days we take classical music a little too seriously, forgetting that 'high art' and entertainment can sit comfortably together. Haydn's symphonies are enjoyable simply as melodic, entertaining divertimenti as well as being worthy of deep penetrating study. The symphonies recorded here are the latter three of the six Paris" symphonies which were composed for a Parisian musical society's 1787 concert season. Symphony 85 proved so popular with Marie-Antoinette that it acquired the nickname "La Reine" or The Queen. She lost her head a few years later, but the music survives! In these symphonies Haydn shows an extraordinary grasp of melody, development and orchestration which sets him apart from his contemporaries as a truly great composer. Greater than Mozart? In some respects, yes, Haydn was superior to Mozart and certainly to my mind these symphonies would suggest that. You be the judge. This disc forms part of the Hanover Band's projected series of recording all of Haydn's 107 symphonies. The Hanover Band use authentic period instruments and principles of performance which to my mind is exactly the right way to hear Haydn. Let's leave technical questions on speeds, repeats, missing orchestrations etc to the musicologists - just sit back and enjoy Haydn's beautiful and above all entertaining symphonies. The sound quality and performances on this disc are absolutely wonderful. I think Haydn would have been pleased.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Be the first to comment on this article

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.

NAVIGATION
CONNECT WITH CROSS RHYTHMS
SIGNUP

Connect with Cross Rhythms by signing up to our email mailing list

A Step Change...
Cross Rhythms Media Training Centre
MORE ARTICLES
DISCOGRAPHY
ARTIST PROFILES
Artists & DJs A-Z
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
Or keyword search

 

PRAYER ROOMS
Intercession Room
Care for other people and shake heaven in our Intercession Room