Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G (Surprise); Symphony No.100 in G (Military); Symphony No.l 104 in D (London)

When the real thing is so readily available, it may seem a little perverse to listen to three of Haydn’s most popular symphonies in transcriptions for the relatively modest combination of flute, string quartet and fortepiano. Yet the more transparent textures chosen by Johann Peter Salomon, the violinist for whom Haydn wrote these particular symphonies, bring added insights into the composer’s original intentions.

Our rating

4

Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:13 pm

COMPOSERS: Haydn
LABELS: L'OISEAU-LYRE
WORKS: Symphony No. 94 in G (Surprise); Symphony No.100 in G (Military); Symphony No.l 104 in D (London)
PERFORMER: Salomon String Quartet, Academy of Ancient Music Chamber Ensemble/ Christopher Hogwood
CATALOGUE NO: 443 194-2 ADD/DDD (1982/85)

When the real thing is so readily available, it may seem a little perverse to listen to three of Haydn’s most popular symphonies in transcriptions for the relatively modest combination of flute, string quartet and fortepiano. Yet the more transparent textures chosen by Johann Peter Salomon, the violinist for whom Haydn wrote these particular symphonies, bring added insights into the composer’s original intentions. The performances are characteristically stylish and exuberant in execution, though I have to admit that I found the rather large discrepancy in pitch between the two G major symphonies (recorded at different sessions) somewhat disconcerting. Eric Levi

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