Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Haydn: The Seasons

Fantastic 'Seasons'

Michael J. Cook | Skokie, IL | 09/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a digital remastering of a stereo recording from 1973. Herbert von Karajan used two soloists from his 1960's recording of "Die Schopfung" ("The Creation"), Walter Berry and Gundula Janowitz. Both are superb--as is Werner Hollweg.



This is a unique oratorio in that it is both secular and sacred with considerable (I'd estimate almost 50%) dialogue among the solosists. There is of course a big chunk of choral singing--more than in "The Creation". This lends the piece to dramatic or even operatic elements. Von Karajan used the Berlin State Opera Chorus to great effect. Haydn also used a larger, more complex orchestration (tambourine and triangle, plus the trombones he featured in "The Creation") than anything he wrote.



In sum, Haydn wrote an operatic, colorful oratorio which Maestro von Karajan delivered beautifully with great effect. Listen especially to the "Heil O Sonne Heil!" chorus in "Summer" and how von Karajan treats the crescendo--very theatric and blazing."