As this set follows the incorrect Hoboken numbering system, the set recorded here includes a few of his earliest symphonies written in the late 1750s as well as those written during his "Years of Transition", to use Geiringer's apt term for those works written during the experimental years of the 1760s. These include the early masterpiece, no. 31 in D major, "The Hornsignal", the beautiful no. 21 in A major, the famous no. 22 in the "wisdom" key of E-flat major, "The Philosopher" (the first symphony to my knowledge that uses English Horns), and 2 minor-keyed works (I don't include no. 34 in this category because only the first movement is in d minor), nos. 26 in d minor, "Lamentatione", and no. 39 in g minor. (Incidentally, both of these minor-keyed symphonies had an obvious influence on Mozart - his d-minor fugue for 2 pianos and his "Little" g-minor symphony are the most obvious respective debtors to Haydn's examples here.)
This recording is excellent throughout. The sound is wonderful, the tempi and interpretations are clear, simple, and forceful and the playing is first rate. These sterling qualities are present in each of the symphonies recorded here and the only quibbles I have are merely interpretive. The technical difficulties written for the horn parts are played with absolute aplomb and even the occasional concertmaster and other string solo passages not written in the score (this is a liberty taken by Fischer) usually add to the interest rather than detract. Fischer occasionally prefers grace over fire and the occasional attempts to make the music more charming by using such devices as extremely clipped articulation or sudden (and sometimes nonsensical) volume changes or backing away from a forceful cadence are minor distractions. Overall, the interpretations are very good.
For this price, Nimbus is offering quite a bit of wonderful music that is handsomely packaged and extremely well recorded. The liner notes are succinct, yet informative and I guarantee learning will take place while listening and reading up on this great set of works. I highly recommend this recording.
(By the way, Amazon's advertisement for this set includes 2 works not included in the recording due to a mistake: Symphonies 'A' and 'B' are non-numbered symphonies and are not the names of two symphonies. They were included in Haydn's symphonic cycle after Hoboken (whose numbering system is mostly followed) had died. Symphony 'A' and symphony 'B' are included in this recording. Nos. 45, "The Farewell", and 71, an even later work, are NOT included in this recording.)
As with the previous volumes this one is fully digital, the technical quality of these discs is excellent.
I have all 8 volumes and have been happy with every one of them.
The sounds of Adam Fischer and the Austro-Hungarian Orchestra are splendid. This group of symphonies (21-39) is quickly becoming one of my favorites.Worth acquiring at any price Some say Haydn's ingenuity is even greater than that of Mozart's or Beethoven's. When listening to this brilliantly played set, I find myself becoming a convert of the belief. Haydn experimented with a variety of musical tools in these works. Surprising twists and turns are abundant. You will hear chamber serenade, harpsichord run, or violin solo in the most unexpected spots. Instruments are sometimes played in very unconventional ways resulting in exotic sounds - similar to what Berlioz and Mahler did later. Structure is toyed with in many symphonies, especially in the early ones. In Austro-Hungrarian Orchestra, Adam Fischer finds an all-in chef's toolkit needed to cook these delightful ingredients. The woodwinds not only sing but also coo and meow. Strings melt your heart to a puddle with their exquisite pianissimo. Horns are expressive yet stylish. The whole orchestra knows how to knock themselves out when the music calls for it. The overall timbre is unlike any other orchestra I've ever heard, period or conventional. It's bright, edgy and folksy at the same time. It sounds like a virtuosic chamber ensemble rather than an orchestra except in the big symphonies. I believe the closest thing to their sound is Vienna Philharmonic playing Johann Strauss waltzes. Throw in a hint of gypsy flavor then it would be even closer. Because this is a massive 33-CD set, there are inevitably a few imperfections. In a handful of spots the strings are not perfectly together. Adding to this, some of the violins have very distinctive tones which don't blend well with others when the music gets energetic. As to the engineering, some of the symphonies recorded early in the cycle are captured with too much reverberation, especially some London symphonies which sound soft-edged. But let me assure you the vast majority of the 100 plus symphonies have been recorded with crystal-clear brilliance. One may find more sophisticated and smooth playing in some conventional performances (Colin Davis and Jochum) or crisper articulations in some period recordings (Bruggen and Pinnock). But Fischer and his hand-picked orchestra deliver more character and expressiveness than in any Haydn performances I've ever heard. Harnoncourt comes close but Fischer's set has more smiles. And his orchestra has the devilish ability to accommodate any mood Haydn's score throws at them - whether it's charm, wit, panache, or pathos. Their playing in slow movements is simply inimitable. This set will be the source of joy for many Haydn lovers whether they are beginners just opening up the treasure chest or seasoned collectors with many other Haydn CDs. According to others' opinions, it compares favorably to Dorati's box, the only other complete set which I have not heard. One final point - I wrote the review without the consideration of the price. In other words, this set is worth acquiring at any price.
