Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 78 & 102

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 78 in C minor, H. 1/78
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

2. Symphony No. 102 in B flat major, H. 1/102
Composed by Franz Joseph Haydn
Performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra

Tracks:

Symphony No. 77 In B Flat Major: Vivace
Symphony No. 77 In B Flat Major: Andante sostenuto
Symphony No. 77 In B Flat Major: Menuetto : Allegro
Symphony No. 77 In B Flat Major: Finale : Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 78 In C Minor: Vivace
Symphony No. 78 In C Minor: Adagio
Symphony No. 78 In C Minor: Menuetto : Allegretto
Symphony No. 78 In C Minor: Finale : Presto
Symphony No. 79 In F Major: Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 79 In F Major: Adagio cantabile - Un poco allegro
Symphony No. 79 In F Major: Menuetto : Allegretto
Symphony No. 79 In F Major: Finale : Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Exploring the Haydn Symphonies -- Nos. 77, 78, and 79.......2004-07-09

It is only recently that Joseph Haydn's (1732-1809) symphonies have begun to receive the attention they deserve. The CD under review here is part of a complete recording of the Haydn symphonies performed by several different orchestras and conductors. The performances on this CD are by the Northern Chamber Orchestra led by Nicholas Ward. This orchestra is a small ensemble (24 musicians) that performs without a conductor. Mr. Ward leads the ensemble while playing first violin. The performances are idiomatic, well-nuanced and crisp. They give the listener an excellent sense of Haydn.

The three symphonies on this CD, No. 77, 78, and 79, were composed between 1782 and 1784, with the first two written in anticipation of a projected trip to London which, at the time, did not materialize. The symphonies are each scored for strings, oboe, bassoon, and French horn. These three works, which resemble each other in many ways, also show Haydn's inventiveness and originality, with each work having its own character.

Symphony No. 77 in B-flat major is a short work in a galant mode. The work is on the whole pastel-colored with little in the way of bravura or solo passages. But is is full of musical creativity. The opening movement, vivace, features a lively initial theme and a short, flowing second subject. Near the end of the movement, Haydn varies his material significantly, leading up to an outstanding suspended passage and a vigourous close. The second movement, andante sostenuto, is a quiet, slightly melancholy theme that lies in the mddle strings with passages for winds as the movement progresses. The minuet is short and lively with an angular theme in the strings backed by the winds. The finale, marked allegro spituoso, is based on a deligthful, lively theme that reminds me of folksong -- or perhaps a country dance.

Almost all works by classical composers in the minor key are worthy of note, and Haydn's symphony no. 78 in C minor is no exception. The first movement of this work, vivace, is full of tumult and passion, based on its minor theme. It reminds me of the Mozart C minor piano concerto, K. 491. The structure of this movement is unusual in that each section of the sonata form, the exposition, development, and recapitulation, is repeated. The second movement, adagio, is in marked contrast to the opening movement with a serene, flowing theme. The minuet is stately, and in the major key. The trio contrasts with the minuet in that the theme is short and whimsical. The finale, presto, opens in an angular, somber C minor but doesn't stay there. After contrasting passages between the major and minor keys, it concludes in a joyous, triumphant C major.

The final work on this CD, the symphony No. 79 in F major is a quietly appealing work again in a galant style. The opening movement features contrasting loud and soft passages, a flowing opening theme, and bassoons in the backround. The second movement, marked adagio cantabilie-Un poco allegro is the heart of this work. The opening secion is a quiet slow theme, repeated several times with different combinations of instruments. Near the end of the movement, the tempo suddenly changes and the movement closes with a skipping, dancing quick theme in the strings. It is an outstanding movement, with unity in its apparent diversity. The minuet has a theme stated in the strings with wind echo. The trio is complimentary, rather than contrasting. The finale, vivace, is a quickly-paced rondo with a theme that gets freer and more unbuttoned as the movement draws to its close.

This CD will appeal to lovers of early classical music who want to explore Haydn's relatively little-known symphonies in all their appeal and variety. The budget price is an added attraction.

Great Music, Not Just A Way To Fill-In Your Haydn Collection.......2001-04-08

When I first got into classical music, purchasing all 104 symphonies by Haydn seemed like a monumental, if not impossible task. I simply couldn't afford something as grand as the Dorati Complete Haydn Symphonies Boxed Set, and besides I wasn't even sure if I'd like Haydn all that much. I played it safe and made my first four purchases the two Szell Sony Essential Classics discs collecting Symphonies Nos. 92-97 between them, and Bernstein Royal Editions of the Paris (82-87) and London (100-104) Symphonies. (I can't remember why I opted for these instead of the Davis Philips two-fers -- the performances are just as amazing, and they are probably cheaper when all is said and done.)

To say the least, these Szell and Bernstein performances were stunning, and I was definitely on my way to a love affair with Haydn. But as I searched out more single disc Haydn titles, I found it very difficult to fill in the gaps in my collection between Symphonies 80 and 104. I discovered a few quality recordings here and there that fit the bill -- a Furtwangler performance of Symphony No. 88 on DG Originals and a Klemperer recording of Symphony No. 98 on EMI -- but for the most part I came away empty-handed.

At this point, a friend suggested the Naxos label. I was naive then and I told my friend I wasn't interested in hearing Alfred Rumplestiltskin and the East Cowtown Nebraska orchestra perform the great works. He told me not to be such a snob, and assured me that the performances and recording quality were consistently excellent, and that symphonies like the Cologne and Northern Chamber Orchestras, while not the Berlin Philharmonic, were certainly first class groups.

Well, now I am the proud owner of several Haydn Naxos Symphony CDs, including Volumes 12, 13, 16, 18, 20 (this title), and 21. All the performances are brilliant, and often indistinguishable from the Szell and Bernstein accounts, well at least to my intermediate-level listening ear. At this rate, I may continue backwards with Haydn's Symphonies on Naxos until I reach el numero uno. And another nice thing is that with Naxos that might even be an affordable undertaking.

Delightful, Inventive Symphonies from Haydn.......2000-07-02

Haydn's Symphony no. 77 is an absolutely delightful work. The first movement is lilting and cheerful. You will die when you hear the beautiful slow second movement. The menuetto is quite spritely, and the fourth movement is a rhythmic delight.

Nos. 76 (not on this disc), 77, and 78, were composed in the early 1780s in anticipation of a trip to London, so these could be considered as the first "London Symphonies." The plans fell through, however, and only years later did Haydn get to London. The occasion for no. 79 is not known.

No. 78 is in a somewhat more serious vein, serious for Haydn, anyway. The first movement is heavier, more in the Sturm und Drang mode. The second movement is also on the serious side, but the third movement is a graceful menuetto. The final movement is fast, as we have come to expect.

No. 79 starts off more graciously, lively in a more relaxed way. After the pleasing slow movement, the third movement is yet another menuetto, moving with royal grandeur. The final movement is again cheerful and inventive.

Haydn's power of invention was seemingly inexhaustible. Although these symphonies are formally very similar, each movement is completely different. Although the titles are not literally true, he is not called the "father" of both the symphony and the string quartet for nothing.

The Northern Chamber Orchestra, based in Manchester, is an extremely accoplished group. They have recorded a number of other Haydn symphonies for Naxos with equal success. Here, it is hard to imagine how their performances could be better. Their playing is alert, lively and stylish, exactly suited to the different moods of the music.

The recording, too, is quite lovely, with a natural balance and a spacious stereo image. For the past several years, Naxos has pretty consistently produced fine recordings. This one, done in a BBC venue, is one of the best.

Tracks:

Sym No.70 in D: I. Vivace Con Brio
Sym No.70 in D: II. Specie D'un Canone In Contrapunto Doppio: Andante
Sym No.70 in D: III. Menuet & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.70 in D: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.71 in B flat: I. Adagio - Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.71 in B flat: II. Adagio
Sym No.71 in B flat: III. Menuetto & Trio
Sym No.71 in B flat: IV. Finale: Vivace
Sym No.72 in D: I. Allegro
Sym No.72 in D: II. Andante
Sym No.72 in D: III. Menuet & Trio
Sym No.72 in D: IV. Finale: Andante (Thema. Var.I-VI) - Presto

Tracks:

Sym No.73 in D 'La Chasse': I. Adagio - Allegro
Sym No.73 in D 'La Chasse': II. Andante
Sym No.73 in D 'La Chasse': III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.73 in D 'La Chasse': IV. La Chasse Presto
Sym No.74 in E flat: I. Vivace Assai
Sym No.74 in E flat: II. Adagio Cantabile
Sym No.74 in E flat: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.74 in E flat: IV. Finale: Allegro Assai
Sym No.75 in D: I. Grave - Presto
Sym No.75 in D: II. Poco Adagio (Andante Con Var)
Sym No.75 in D: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.75 in D: IV. Finale: Vivace

Tracks:

Sym No.76 in E flat: I. Allegro
Sym No.76 in E flat: II. Adagio, Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.76 in E flat: III. Menuet & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.76 in E flat: IV. Finale: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.77 in B flat: I. Vivace
Sym No.77 in B flat: II. Andante Sostenuto
Sym No.77 in B flat: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro
Sym No.77 in B flat: IV. Finale: Allegro Spiritoso
Sym No.78 in c: I. Vivace
Sym No.78 in c: II. Adagio
Sym No.78 in c: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.78 in c: IV. Finale: Presto

Tracks:

Sym No.79 in F: I. Allegro Con Spirito
Sym No.79 in F: II. Adagio - Cantabile - Un Poco Allegro
Sym No.79 in F: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.79 in F: IV. Finale: Vivace
Sym No.80 in d: I. Allegro Spiritoso
Sym No.79 in F: II. Adagio
Sym No.79 in F: III. Menuetto & Trio
Sym No.79 in F: IV. Finale: Presto
Sym No.81 in G: I. Vivace
Sym No.81 in G: II. Andante
Sym No.81 in G: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegretto
Sym No.81 in G: IV. Finale: Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Customer Reviews:

Another great volume in teh collection.......2000-12-23

With volume 5, Nimbus Records is one volume away from completing the entire collection of Haydn symphonies. Again, Adam Fischer conducts the Austo-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra and delivers a truly amazing listening experience.

When I began my quest for a complete Haydn symphony collection, there were a few options. But this collection won out and I have not been disappointed with any of the volumes. Every CD is fully digital, from the recording to the mastering process. They are technically flawless.

I don't profess to be a musical scholar so I cannot comment on the conducting, or the playing. I won't rant on about the choice to use modern instruments to play Haydn.

All I will say is that I love music and that this volume, like the others in the collection are joy to listen to.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': I. Vivace assai
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': II. Allegretto
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': III. Menuetto; Trio
Symphony No. 82 In C Major 'The Bear': IV. Finale: Vivace assai
Symphony No. 78 in C Minor: I. Vivace
Symphony No. 78 in C Minor: II. Adagio
Symphony No. 78 in C Minor: III. Menuetto; Trio: Allegretto
Symphony No. 78 in C Minor: IV. Finale: Presto
Symphony No. 22 in E-flat Major 'The Philosopher': I. Adagio
Symphony No. 22 in E-flat Major 'The Philosopher': II. Presto
Symphony No. 22 in E-flat Major 'The Philosopher': III. Minuetto; Trio
Symphony No. 22 in E-flat Major 'The Philosopher': IV. Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Surprising Major Label Haydn Release.......2001-04-16

When I first saw this CD, my initial thought was how did Esa-Pekka Salonen convince Sony Classical to release it. Most conductors, if they can convince a major label to record Haydn at all, usually stick with the later, more popular "London" Symphonies. But on this title by Salonen and the Stockholm Chamber Orchestra the latest of the three Haydn works is Symphony No. 82, which is the first of the "Paris" Symphonies. Conductors like Bernstein started here, they didn't finish here! Regardless of the circumstances that led to its manufacture, at least this music is being showcased by one of today's leading conductors. Haydn's Symphony No. 22, also known as "The Philosopher," is a delightful early offering, while No. 78 has more in common with "The Bear." The recording from 1989 is more than satisfactory, and Salonen leads the Stockholm players through a well-paced, thoughtful performance. My only gripe with this disc is since it is a full-price title, one could instead buy three Naxos CDs and get six more impeccably performed and recorded Haydn Symphonies essentially thrown in for free. But with Salonen you certainly won't get short-changed by the quality of the music.