Beethoven & Haydn: Choral Works

Advantages: Outstanding music on period instruments
Disadvantages: Swaping C.D'S in music player.

...of the original performances. The works would have been played in a mixed programme of both vocal and instrumental works. This allowed for a rich cross pollination of ideas from theatre. Beethoven is using what he was provided with from his predecessors and making each symphony a drama. The London Classical Players have been in many performances both here and abroad of music in period form. They have performed works by Handel, Bach, Mozart, Haydn and Schubert. This has been well received by the public. The Schutz Choir of London started life in 1962, and carried out 10 years research into choral works. They became professional in 1973 and broke new ground in Baroque music. With Sir Roger they have performed works by Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, and Mozart. Haydn and Schubert. The choir has toured extensively. The original set was a six boxed set from... Read review

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Advantages: Pleasant melodies, good structure
Disadvantages: not terribly adventurous in harmony

...listen to once they had eaten their fill at the banquet. Just as it gets to the stage where the guests would be nodding their heads and dropping off, there is a loud crash to awaken them. This is typical of Haydn's sense of humour. He was also considerate towards his players. In the "Farewell Symphony" the players leave one by one, until only one is left playing at the end. Haydn wrote this piece when the players were overdue a holiday, but were too scared to ask the Prince outright. As they dropped out of the symphony, they also packed their bags and left the castle. These are just two of the stories which go along with Haydns music. But even leaving the tales aside, Haydn's music is aurally pleasing, very coherent and listenable. Interesting then, that it is said that Haydn set the path for Beethoven's work in music. If you like... Read review

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...I happen to go through a sale in a CD shop in London and came across this recording of Incidental music to two plays, written by Beethoven. The longer work is the incidental music to "The Consecration of the House". Most music lovers might know the overture but the complete incidental music is a sheer joy. The orchestra is Abbado's own, the Berlin Philharmonic and the soloists are Sylvia McNair and Bryn Terfel. There is a considerable amount of choral writing. The music is rich, joyous and, at times, full of grandeur. The recoding is suitably warm and rich whic matches the performances. The other item is a piece I did not know existed. It is music to Dunker's play "Leonora Prohaska". This is aslo a great find. This CD is an indispensable addition to all Beethoven lovers.... Read review

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