Haydn: Paris Symphonies 82-87

Overview of the Paris symphonies

Franz Joseph Haydn could be called the father of the symphony. He composed 108 of them in his lifetime. The latter symphonies fall into two groups, the London and Paris symphonies, and refer to where he was residing in when he composed them. This 2-disc set contains all the Paris symphonies, are they are typical of works from this era of classical music; beautifully orchestrated with minimal evocative effects or emotional gusto. The sound quality is great though, along with the recording. For fans of classical music, this is a good buy for under $10. June 27, 2007

No Need to Look Further!

There are commendable period instrument sets of the 'Paris' symphonies available - Bruggen(Phillips) with the Orchestra of the 18th Century who has the most romantic view of the works, Roy Goodman(individual discs from his complete set on the budget Hyperion Helios)with the Hannover Band and Kurt Weil. Kuijken's, without doubt, is the one to have. Superb sound, plenty of panache and drama. He has spent many years as a Hadyn interpretor and this is in evidence throughout all 6 symphonies. Smart tempos and clean cut phrasing is effectively coupled with poignant delicacy in the slow movements. The hapsicord is never obtrusive and all departments of his fine orchestra excell themselves.
The symphonies, written in 1785-6 for the renowned Concert del la Loge Olympique, are a triumph of the classical symphony. So are these performances! March 17, 2007

Thank heaven ...

My daughter purchased this for my birthday last year. Knowing that I admire Haydn, she searched Amazon and took confidence in the all positive reviews. Well, I thank my daughter and the other reviewers -- this is truly a collection to own.
December 31, 2006

Cleansing the Palate

Haydn's symphonies are refreshingly clean, natural, unpretentious and in general a welcome palate cleanser for the concertgoer despite the preference for the dramatic or the grand or the edgy contemporary fare. Such is certainly the case for the so-called Paris symphonies (Nos. 82 - 87), models of elegance and refinement.

Case in point: at a recent concert with Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the opening work was the Haydn Symphony No 82 - at first a seemingly odd choice for a program that was to include the local premiere of a commissioned Viola Concerto by Brett Dean and a celebration of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'. But hearing Haydn in this context provided that reminder that Papa Haydn started it all!

This CD with Sigiswald Kuijken conducting the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment traverses all of the Paris symphonies with aplomb. The quality of interpretation is immaculate, the sound of the recording is superb, and in general this is one of the finest 'sets' of these symphonies available today. It is an utter joy to listen to all of the works in one sitting, or to place them as aperitifs through the listening day. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 06
October 16, 2006

A gorgeous new set!!!!

A beautiful set at a cheap price of Haydn's Paris Symphonies! Symphonies 84 and 87 particularly sparkle and the comic effects are fully exploited in 82 (The Bear) and 83 (The Hen). I compared this set to the Karajan and legendary Bernstein. This new set is fresh and lively, also because of period instruments. Bravo!!! January 30, 2005

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