Review by Cellophile May 21, 2004 (8 of 8 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics: |
This is my first experience with Florilegium. I actually purchased this SACD without realizing that these symphonies are arranged for a sextet, basically a string quartet, flute and fortepiano. When I first put the disc on I thought I had the wrong disc in the player, because I was listening to chamber music, and not a full fledged symphony orchesrta. What a wonderful "mistake" I made.
I already have recordings of most of the "London Symphonies" of Haydn and have always treasured them, as they are Haydn at his peak. These arrangements are the product of Johann Salomon (1745-1815), a violinist and impressario to whom we also owe Haydn's visits to London that produced these inestimable works. He bought the publishing rights and made these arrangements aimed at the amateur market, apparantly vast at that time. They are excellent arrangements and they convey the symphonies well.
The articulation and interpretation by Florilegium is nothing short of masterful. Their ensemble is perfect, the entries crisp, dynamics well done with great care and accuracy. The intonation is, wonderful, as expected. As for the recording, I must say I am floored. Theair and space surrounding the instruments is huge. Soundstaging is superb. Either the surround, stereo or even the CD layer is excellent. The tamber if the instruments is accurately captured.
I strongly reccommend this, the first if 4 SACDs to be issued by Florilegium, in order to record all 12 of the "London" symphonies. These are not meant to relace the full symphonic versions, but stand on their own. Florilegium is so impressive that I will suggest that the Friends of Music in Houston, Texas book them for an upcoming season. Channel Classics is to be congradulated on their outstanding recording and mastering.
I am in agreement that I look forward to SACD issues of Haydn quartets, and full symphonic versions of both the "London" and "Paris" symphonies.
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