Haydn: Sonates, Vol. 1

On this CD:

1. Keyboard Sonata in B flat major, H. 16/2
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alain Planes

2. Keyboard Sonata in A flat major, H. 16/46
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alain Planes

3. Fantasia (Capriccio) for piano in C major, H. 17/4 Presto
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alain Planes

4. Keyboard Sonata in F major, H. 16/23
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alain Planes

5. Keyboard Sonata in B flat major, H. 16/41
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Alain Planes

Customer Reviews:

sprightly Haydn..........2002-04-11

Time was when it was hard to find piano recordings of Haydn's sonatas. They were an unexplored universe, oddities. Alan Plaines clearly has an affinity for Haydn, and this series may prove one worth having, at least based on this release. Plaines plays with sensitivity to the music, and again "sprightly" where called for.

While I enjoy this recording, I must admit I would still give the nod to Brendel's selected grouping of Haydn sonatas...if only they were available. While I am not a wildly fanatical fan of Brendel's, I must admit he has few peers in this repertoire.

For completists, John McCabe does an admirable job -- with some truly stunning performances -- Ok, if Brendel has a peer in this repertoire, McCabe would be the one giving him a run for his money. A second choice would be the fairly decent recordings of Walid Akl which can be found on the Discover label. Not as wonderful and no longer available are the recordings of Rudolph Buchbinder though there are some good moments.

Given the premium cost of Harmonia Mundi recordings, the McCabe or Akl recordings might warrant some searching.

Music Review: