HAYDN Paris Symphonies

 

Symphonies 82-87 (Paris),

performed by Concentus Musicus Wien conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

 

The symphonies were written on the order by the directors of the “Concert de la loge Olympique”. Haydn used to compose after writing a short story, which then aided his musical creativity, basing his composition on that story line. Nikolaus Harnoncourt uses this information and the storylines to enhance his interpretations and also explains it in his liner notes. The booklet features an essay on the tradition of “real plots” in symphonic music by Nikolaus Harnoncourt, an analysis of the symphonies by Harnoncourt and a short essay by Sabine Gruber based on Haydn’s symphonies.

 

Harnoncourt and Haydn is a combination that always demands a response: it may be one of exasperation at this conductor’s occasional wilfulness or, as here, delight at the freshness of interpretation of these colossally inventive works. The Concentus Musicus Wien play for their founder with great spirit and zest a real ear-opener for this listener at least.

Gramophone

 

DHM 3cds 82876606022