Joseph Haydn, often referred to as ‘The Father of the Symphony’, has an enormous 109 of these works to his name. Within his vast oeuvre of symphonies is a group of 12, written between 1781 and 1795, which are known as the ‘London’ symphonies, composed during or for his two visits to the English capital. Brimming with inspiration and character, the ‘London’ symphonies contain many of the legendary moments of Haydn’s works, including the drumroll opening of No.103, the ticking of the clock in the Andante of No.101, the jubilant sound of the triangle in the finale of the ‘Military’, and that arresting interjection of the timpani in the ‘Surprise’. This collection brings together these wonderful works, each of which contributed to Haydn’s crafting of the symphonic form that would later be taken up by none other than his pupil and friend, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra was formed by Adam Fischer in 1987 with the express purpose of performing the works of the revered composer. The Orchestra is rather appropriately based in the Esterházy Palace – where Haydn was resident for much of his life – and has toured extensively throughout Europe, the USA and Asia, performing in events such as the Mozart Festival (New York) and the BBC Proms (London).
Other information:
- Recorded 1987–1989, in the famous Esterhazy Palace in Eisenstadt, Austria, where Haydn spent many years of his life composing for the Count.
- Joseph Haydn’s so-called London Symphonies, written between 1781 and 1795 during his two extensive visits to the British capital, count among his most famous and popular works. At the peak of his creative powers, he created such masterworks as the Drumroll, Military, London and Surprise symphonies, but also the ones without nickname are models of perfection in terms of form and content, rules and emotions.
- The performances of the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra conducted by Adám Fischer are still considered one of the best complete recordings, fully capturing Haydn’s style: wit, charm, fire, balance and transparency.
- Contains extensive liner notes on the composer and his symphonies.
