Haydn Symphonies

The "Esterhazy Music Collection" is a series dedicated to presenting musical treasures largely forgotten over the centuries. It pays tribute to one of the most important Hungarian noble families, the imperial princes of Esterhazy. From the 17th to the 19th century, the Princes of Esterhazy were as generous patrons of the arts as the most influential rulers of France, England and Austria. Although the titles 'Le Matin', 'Le Midi' and 'Le Soir' have favoured the popularity of the three works in our time, they served Haydn merely as an inspiring impulse to compose.

The most welcome of Hyperion's bargain label, Helios, reissues consists of recordings of Haydn's symphonies on 17 bargain priced CDs which are available individually. All feature Roy Goodman conducting his Hanover Band and each disc has about 70 generous minutes of recording. (Added here it's a Nimbus Records CD with Symphonies 94, 100 & 104 for a total of 18 CDs).

In the third disc in their acclaimed series, Harry Christophers and the Handel and Haydn Society present a new live recording devoted to the master of the symphony – Joseph Haydn. This disc showcases Haydn’s Symphony No. 8 Le soir, which completes the trilogy written for Prince Paul Anton Esterházy. Also included is the later Symphony No. 84 which shows just how much Haydn’s symphonies had transformed from those early years. Not only is it an incredible fusion of grace, brilliance and warmth but it also contains one of the most striking wind band solos in all of his Paris symphonies. Completing the programme is the Violin Concerto in A major performed by H+H’s fiery and expressive Concertmaster, Aisslinn Nosky.

Recorded in St John's Church West Norwood, London in March 2022, this recording involves eighteen members of Florilegium, the exact same number Haydn had at his disposal when he composed these symphonies shortly after arriving at Esterhazy in 1761. Haydn’s first symphonies for his new employer, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, form a group of three entitled "Morning", "Noon" and "Night". Perhaps these were a result of the Prince’s suggestion that Haydn write something programmatic along the lines of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. As symphonies for a small chamber orchestra, all three exploit the solo skills of each of Florilegium’s principals, from flute to double bass, not to mention heroic horns as well as spectacular violin and cello solos, each vividly characterised in an almost operatic way.Florilegium's previous Haydn London Symphonies recording was hailed as "first rate" by BBC Music Magazine. Florilegium is one of Britain's most outstanding period instrument groups specialising in music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of their recordings have garnered international awards over the years.

The last few missing symphonies of Haydn were recorded this spring - now our complete recording of all of Haydn's symphonies is finished! The release of all volumes 1-35 Haydn - The complete Symphonies on Hänssler Classic will be in 2024. "Heidelberg Haydn is a paragon of dynamism, freshness, wildness, humour, and a richness of surprise. I am delighted that the journey continues, and that the cycle is completed. My musical encounters with the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra have always been journeys to happiness. Idealism, the love of music, and technical perfection combine here with the will to create something very special, and it all fits perfectly into the symphonic world of Joseph Haydn. Full of anticipation, I look forward to the future!" (Johannes Klumpp)

These four symphonies have been specially recorded for the upcoming Decca Classics Haydn: Complete Symphonies, a 36 CD set to be released in 2016. This will be the first Haydn symphony cycle on period instruments. Accademia Bizantina under Ottavio Dantone return to Decca, with future projects including repertoire from both Bach and Mozart. This little-known quartet of Haydn symphonies 78-81 date from the years 1782-1784 when Haydn still served as kapellmeister to the Esterhazy family in their spectacular summer and winter palaces in Esterháza (present day Hungary) and Eisenstadt (Austria) where the music was first performed.