Search - Haydn, Tafelmusik, Weil :: Symphonies 88-90

Haydn, Tafelmusik, Weil
Symphonies 88-90
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
1. Symphony No. 88 in G major ('Letter V'), H. 1/88: Adagio - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 88 in G major ('Letter V'), H. 1/88: Largo
3. Symphony No. 88 in G major ('Letter V'), H. 1/88: Menuetto. Allegretto
4. Symphony No. 88 in G major ('Letter V'), H. 1/88: Finale: Allegro con spirito
5. Symphony No. 89 in F major ('Letter W'), H. 1/89: Vivace
6. Symphony No. 89 in F major ('Letter W'), H. 1/89: Andante con moto
7. Symphony No. 89 in F major ('Letter W'), H. 1/89: Menuet. Allegretto
8. Symphony No. 89 in F major ('Letter W'), H. 1/89: Finale. Vivace assai
9. Symphony No. 90 in C major ('Letter R'), H. 1/90: Adagio - Allegro assai
10. Symphony No. 90 in C major ('Letter R'), H. 1/90: Andante
11. Symphony No. 90 in C major ('Letter R'), H. 1/90: Menuet
12. Symphony No. 90 in C major ('Letter R'), H. 1/90: Allegro assai

CD Details

All Artists: Haydn, Tafelmusik, Weil
Title: Symphonies 88-90
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Release Date: 6/27/1995
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 074646625323

Synopsis

Amazon.com

Haydn's symphonies have more pure fun in them than those of any other composer. Symphony No. 88 used to have a nickname, "The Letter V," but no one knows how it got the name or what it means. Nevertheless, it's one of Haydn's best, with a delicious bagpipe-like episode in the minuet, and a slow movement that prompted Brahms to exclaim, "I want my tenth symphony to sound like that!" Nos. 89 and 90 are equally delicious, but far less well known. This is a pity, for they are full of fine music, and No. 90 features some fantastic writing to timpani and high horns. Bruno Weil's period instrument performances are vital, witty, and exciting, and very well recorded too. A delightful disc. --David Hurwitz

CD Reviews

Tafelmusik wins again

Bobby Watson | Austin TX | 10/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to several hundred Haydn symphony recordings in my life, ranging from the sublime (Dorati, usually, and Davis) to the ridiculous (Bernstein, who couldn't make woodwinds play in tune with the help of -- well, anything). Unlike the usual hackneyed performances of Haydn, which make one long for the end regardless of the tempo, this group, and this conductor particularly, bring an excitement and a sparkle to these pieces that make me want to jump up and down whenever I hear them. Nabokov said that you should read a book with your spine; I feel the same about music. This is one of the few CDs I own that consistently makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck. If that doesn't interest you, listen to those other reviewers."

Thank you, Tomcihak

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 04/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"All the other reviewers of this CD are exactly right: This is Haydn played substantially faster than usual. However, Tomcihak was right on with the comment that the added speed is what really brings these performances to life. All of the symphonies recorded here, particularly the famous 88th, can sound anemic and bland if they're taken too slowly. On this CD, all three symphonies are bursting with the special vitality that Haydn's music only has when the players are willing to put some serious energy into it. The liner notes mention that Haydn would laugh out loud at concerts when he heard witty parts of his own music, and I think that comment is especially appropriate here: these energetic, powerful performances are Haydn laughing, while a lot of others portray him as chuckling softly. In addition, ensemble precision, intonation, etc. are all right on target too. It's not often I get a visceral thrill listening to Haydn's music, but this disc can do it. I bought this disc seeking a less restrained alternative to Kuijken's wildly popular recording of these symphonies, and that's exactly what I got. Now I can't go back."