COMPOSERS: Haydn
LABELS: Decca
WORKS: Symphony No. 82; Symphony No. 83; Symphony No. 84; Symphony No. 85; Symphony No. 86; Symphony No.87
PERFORMER: Philharmonia Hungarica/Antal Dorati
CATALOGUE NO: 448 194-2 ADD (1972)
Although it’s well over twenty years since Dorati’s pioneering Haydn symphony cycle first appeared on LP, these performances still sound amazingly fresh, even to ears that have become more accustomed to the Spartan textures of period instrument orchestras. Much of the credit for their continued success lies with Dorati’s effervescent conducting, which extracts the maximum degree of character and humour from each movement. While the Philharmonia Hungarica may not rank among the most polished of European chamber orchestras, it responds admirably to the conductor’s sense of joy and discovery in the music, and the recording, although a touch dry in ambience, is perfectly adequate. A wonderful bargain. Erik Levi
Haydn: Symphony No. 82; Symphony No. 83; Symphony No. 84; Symphony No. 85; Symphony No. 86; Symphony No.87
Although it’s well over twenty years since Dorati’s pioneering Haydn symphony cycle first appeared on LP, these performances still sound amazingly fresh, even to ears that have become more accustomed to the Spartan textures of period instrument orchestras. Much of the credit for their continued success lies with Dorati’s effervescent conducting, which extracts the maximum degree of character and humour from each movement.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm
