Franz Joseph Haydn - Three Theatrical Symphonies

Franz Joseph Haydn - Three Theatrical Symphonies
EAC RIP | FLAC + CUE + LOG | HQ Scans | 380 mb
BIS | Recorded: 2009 & 2010 | Released: 2010
Haydn Sinfonietta Wien - Mandred Huss

 

 

 

Outstanding SACD sonics and vibrant playing make this a most appealing collection. The concept--"three theatrical symphonies"--is dubious: while the origins of Symphonies Nos. 50 and 60 (especially) are well known, there's no evidence at all that No. 12 had any connection to a stage work, and besides, all of Haydn's symphonies are theatrical. But that doesn't matter. What does matter is that the performances are completely enjoyable, full of fun, and not "period" to the point where orchestral timbres start to sound extraterrestrial.
Symphony No. 50 started life as the overture Der Götterrat, the now largely lost prelude to the lovely marionette opera Philemon and Baucis. "Il distratto" is the best known piece here: six crazy movements, including a wild presto in Hungarian style and a finale in which the violins have to re-tune their instruments. Manfred Huss and his crew hit all of the major characteristic points without exaggerating to the point of caricature. The minuet's creepy trio is especially effective. As usual with this series, the engineering is excellent in all formats. There's lots of good Haydn out there, but if you enjoy historically informed performances there are none better than this. Strongly recommended.

http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=12999