Missing period instrument Haydn symphonies.

[verismissimo]

The lack of a complete Haydn symphony cycle has seemed like a surprising gap, though not as frustrating (for me) as the Beethoven string quartets—on period instruments only Op. 18, 59/3, 74 and 135 are available.

You're absolutely right, kea. The most enjoyable approximation in my collection are the Razumovskys played by the Kuijken Quartet, paradoxically on "modern" instruments. You'd think there would be a perfectly good market for a complete cycle (on "period" instruments).

[Bryn]

... which performances are these?

I only have the Eroica qttt on harmonia mundi, with opp 74, 95, and 135.

Both the Quatuor Mosaïques and the Smithson Quartet have recorded the Op. 18 set. The Schuppanzigh Quartet recorded Op. 18/iv and 59/iii.

[vinteuil]

The Eroica Quartet recording of Op. 90 is still available (via Amazon, for instance).

.

...quoi?

[Bryn]

.

...quoi?

Oops! Sorry, that was a typo. I meant Op. 95 which Kea seemed to have omitted.

[kea]

Quatuor Turner has also recorded Op. 18—I think that's period instruments as well. Only know it because my library has a copy.

Don't miss out on the Chiaroscuro's op.95!

Yes I did forget Op. 95, my mistake.

Still... I realise Beethoven's quartets are not easy to play but a PI recording of the late quartets, in particular, would be an insta-buy for me. I suppose this is off topic, it's just come to mind because of all the HIP and HIP-influenced Schubert I've come across lately (including at least 3 PI recordings of the Quintet—one might think a group that could tackle the Quintet would have no trouble with Op. 131, but apparently not?)

As for the Haydn symphonies... I'm a bit surprised since both Russell Davies & Fischer are pretty recent integral recordings, as I imagine Fey's ongoing set is also intended to be. So the money to record a complete Haydn set seems to be there, unless period instrument recordings are significantly more expensive to make than modern ones. (Which is a real possibility given the costs of reproductions and the risk of damaging older instruments I suppose.)

[HighlandDougie]

So is it the general party line that:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Haydn-Symphonies-J/dp/B009LNI0T0/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1396775035&sr=1-1&keywords=haydn+symphonies+hogwood

is worth acquiring, especially at this price? While not exactly short of Haydn symphony recordings (Scherchen through to Freiburg via Jochum, Pinnock, Brüggen, Kuijken, Minkowski etc), I'm attracted by there being some symphonies in this box which I don't otherwise have on CD.

[Roehre]

There has been a number of attempts at recording complete surveys of the Haydn symphonies using period instrument and instrumental techniques. Not only has none as yet been completed, there remain no period recordings at all of Nos. 79 and 81 as far as I can see. There is also but one of No. 80.

What is it about these symphonies that is holding the HIPPsters back? Must they remain available only in the distorted sound of versions with modern beefed up instruments?

I do think it's just unintended, only sheer chance that this has happened.
I cannot imagine any reason why these works especially should be singled out.

[MickyD]

It would be a charming gesture of Decca to allow Hogwood, now a mature 70, to record the remaining mature symphonies and thus complete the cycle. But I can't see it happening in today's economic climate.

[Pegleg]

Have there been any examples of crowdsourcing in the musical world? I'd be happy to donate a tenner to allow Hogwood to finish the job. Any ideas what the total funds needed might run to?

[cloughie]

Have there been any examples of crowdsourcing in the musical world? I'd be happy to donate a tenner to allow Hogwood to finish the job. Any ideas what the total funds needed might run to?

With the profits these big boys have made from members of these boards over the years they shouldn't need sweeteners!

[Tony Halstead]

With the profits these big boys have made from members of these boards over the years they shouldn't need sweeteners!

Hmm... you say 'profits' BUT the sorry tale of the unfinished AAM/ Hogwood/ Haydn Symphony series is inextricably bound up with the fact that it took Decca 10 'volumes' and 75 symphonies to realise that Haydn isn't /wasn't a 'box-office' composer ( and I speak as an ex-AAM player who was extremely sorry to see the project grind to a halt, the stated reason being that there were absolutely no profits to be had, since the CD sets were apparently selling in only miniscule quantities).

[richardfinegold]

Hmm... you say 'profits' BUT the sorry tale of the unfinished AAM/ Hogwood/ Haydn Symphony series is inextricably bound up with the fact that it took Decca 10 'volumes' and 75 symphonies to realise that Haydn isn't /wasn't a 'box-office' composer ( and I speak as an ex-AAM player who was extremely sorry to see the project grind to a halt, the stated reason being that there were absolutely no profits to be had, since the CD sets were apparently selling in only miniscule quantities).

I like the crowdsourcing idea. It could represent a model for making recordings in the future. The problem would be getting all the classical music diaspora to support it. perhaps if enough of a push was made in East Asia this could work.

[MickyD]

Many moons ago I used to edit the Friends of the AAM Newsletter. I have often said that if I won a huge amount on the lottery, I would finance the completion of the Haydn symphony cycle! But I like Pegleg's idea...maybe we should approach the AAM with the idea.

[Bryn]

Have there been any examples of crowdsourcing in the musical world? I'd be happy to donate a tenner to allow Hogwood to finish the job. Any ideas what the total funds needed might run to?

A couple of years ago I participated in just such a funding system for a festival dedicated to the music of Conlon Nancarrow and his influences. The method seems to be used a fair bit over The Pond.

[Barbirollians]

I like the crowdsourcing idea. It could represent a model for making recordings in the future. The problem would be getting all the classical music diaspora to support it. perhaps if enough of a push was made in East Asia this could work.

Perhaps they could be coupled with Lang Lang playing the Haydn piano concertos !