BaL 26.04.14 - Haydn Symphony no. 101 "Clock"

[MickyD]

Let's hope that DHM reissue them again soon, then. But I think you mean that Hogwood stopped in the nineties, Waldo.

[waldo]

Let's hope that DHM reissue them again soon, then. But I think you mean that Hogwood stopped in the nineties, Waldo.

I meant his series of Haydn symphonies (1 - 104) stopped in the seventies! (Though he did jump forward and do a couple of later discs.......)

[Tony Halstead]

I meant his series of Haydn symphonies (1 - 104) stopped in the seventies! (Though he did jump forward and do a couple of later discs.......)

Those later symphonies were recorded in the NINETEEN EIGHTIES.
( capitals for clarity).

[waldo]

Those later symphonies were recorded in the NINETEEN EIGHTIES.
( capitals for clarity).

Has this ambiguity been resolved now? I meant, if it is not clear, which is probably isn't, that the Hogwood series didn't get beyond symphony number 70-something and that (barring a couple of exceptions) he did not get to record the later (post-70s) symphonies. I wasn't commenting on when he recorded them. But I take your word for it about the NINETEEN EIGHTIES.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Historical? Recorded in 1973! Now I really do feel old.

In my view, the word "historical" should only be used to describe recordings of limited sound quality, though still worthy as performances, so anything recorded in stereo (apart from some Pye and Soviet Melodiya recordings) should not be labelled as such.

Sometimes it is used as a patronising put-down for performances that are no longer in "fashion".

[Die Fledermaus]

Great discussion. Really, interesting. Thanks gents, and please do keep it up

And to chuck my tuppence-worth in, I think waldo absolutely nails it in post #56 with this succinct two-sentencer:

"For me, the greatness of Haydn - which I don't dispute - lies in the string quartets, the piano trios, the piano sonatas, and a good wodge of symphonies (especially the "middle" ones). But I do think he can be boring and the Seasons, for me at least, illustrates this well."

Which recordings of the Haydn Piano Trios would be the group's overall recommendation? I am a great fan of Piano Trios but for some reason I don't seem to have any of Haydn's which is looking like a serious omission after the comments here.

[Bryn]

In my view, the word "historical" should only be used to describe recordings of limited sound quality, though still worthy as performances, so anything recorded in stereo (apart from some Pye and Soviet Melodiya recordings) should not be labelled as such.

Sometimes it is used as a patronising put-down for performances that are no longer in "fashion".

What about Beecham's stereo recording of Haydn's The Seasons (Abbey Road, November 1956) which is currently spinning here as I type?

[rauschwerk]

The Beaux Arts set of the piano trios (BaL winner, 2009) is first rate and at least 20 of the trios (the later ones) are top notch Haydn. You may, of course, want versions with fortepiano in which case I can't advise.

[waldo]

Which recordings of the Haydn Piano Trios would be the group's overall recommendation? I am a great fan of Piano Trios but for some reason I don't seem to have any of Haydn's which is looking like a serious omission after the comments here.

The Beaux Arts Trio 9 CD set is one of the great all-time chamber music sets. Absolutely unbeatable in every regard. It has all 43 Haydn trios and for me it is definitive. Apart from that, the Florestan trio did a 2 CD selection that is well worth getting.

For me, the quality and range of the trios came as a real surprise. Listening to them, I often have the feeling that Haydn reserved some of his deepest feelings and most original inventions for this genre.

[aeolium]

In my view, the word "historical" should only be used to describe recordings of limited sound quality, though still worthy as performances, so anything recorded in stereo (apart from some Pye and Soviet Melodiya recordings) should not be labelled as such.

Sometimes it is used as a patronising put-down for performances that are no longer in "fashion".

I would say from my experience of listening to BaL that the word is used by reviewers more often to describe recordings at least 40-50 years old and not necessarily those of limited sound quality, but more to emphasise significant stylistic differences from more recent recordings. I think the patronising put-downs of historical recordings are not so common now.

[aeolium]

The Beaux Arts Trio 9 CD set is one of the great all-time chamber music sets. Absolutely unbeatable in every regard. It has all 43 Haydn trios and for me it is definitive.

Seconded. I think this project was one of the best things the Beaux Arts Trio did. There are so many wonderful discoveries.

[Bryn]

The Beaux Arts set of the piano trios (BaL winner, 2009) is first rate and at least 20 of the trios (the later ones) are top notch Haydn. You may, of course, want versions with fortepiano in which case I can't advise.

The Van Swieten Trio's survey of the piano trios (Bart van Oort playing fortepiano) are pretty good. They are available either as a boxed set on their own, or as part of the Brilliant Classics Haydn Edition big box. I would recommend the latter which works out much cheaper pro rata and has much else good going for it (£74.25 inc. p&p for 150 disc via the amazon.co.uk marketplace).

[vinteuil]

There is a fine 9 CD set with Trio 1790 on cpo, currently very cheap on jpc.de.

The Van Swieten Trio on brilliant is also very good.

The Beaux Arts set on philips, recorded in the 1970s, is how I first got to know and fall in love with these marvellous works - to my ears they now sound a little heavy, without the light touch and sparkle that the more Historically-Informed approach of Trio 1790 and the Van Swietens brings.

But they are great works - certainly a "must have"!






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[Barbirollians]

Back on topic Jochum in No 101 - is also very good .

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

105 postings and it's still three days until the broadcast.