Tonight A Twelve Hour Haydn Marathon

Bernstein  Conducts Haydn 

The Creation   

 For Masses

London & Paris Symphonies 

Mass in C, “Mass in Time of War.”
Mass in d, “Nelsonmesse.”
Mass in B♭, “Theresienmesse.”
Mass in B♭, “Harmoniemesse.”
Symphony No. 88 in G major
Symphonies Nos. 82–87

New York Philharmonic
Camerata Singers
Norman Scribner Choir
Westminster Choir
London Symphony Orchestra
London Symphony Chorus

Sony has done Haydn and Bernstein aficionados a tremendous favor by reissuing these now-classic recordings of the *Paris* and *London* Symphonies (plus no. 88), *Creation* and four out of the six late Masses, housed in a fairly sturdy space-saving box. Sony's asking price is relatively high for such boxes these days (compare with recent offerings from EMI, such as their "Complete Oistrakh Edition"), especially since the skimpy booklet contains no annotations beyond the usual work-and-track listing. Moreover, within the box the CDs are gathered into laminated and hinged cardboard pockets that make the task of retrieving one more trouble than it should be. The recordings have apparently not been remastered; that fact may account for the mediocre sonics throughout this collection. The *London* Symphonies, in particular, suffer from thin, acidic-sounding strings, unduly recessed woodwinds, blaring brass (not Bernstein's fault), and a fair amount of distortion in the louder tutti passages. Moreover, the latest recording included here (a London-based *Theresienmesse* from 1979), though smoother-sounding, lacks bite and focus, largely due to a distant, mushy-sounding chorus.

With those caveats out of the way (and they are sufficiently serious to cost my evaluation one star), I must affirm the legendary status of these recordings. Bernstein brings enormous gusto to Haydn, and the result is an altogether winsome marriage of intellectual and physical vigor. This is Haydn without the wig. In the Symphonies, Bernstein favors bold, incisive sonata allegros; deeply meditative and just as often bewitchingly mischievous slow movements; steady and stately minuets, with some delightfully humorous touches; and dashing finales. Bernstein's earlier, and finer, account of *Creation* is truly a celebration of Nature in all its rough-and-tumble splendor; and the Masses are just as notable for their operatic as for their religious fervor. The playing of the NYPO in the Symphonies, as well as the singing in the choral works, is quite variable--greater polish would have been welcome. But Lenny's elemental vigor and warm-hearted embrace of Haydn's always-stunning originality carry the day.

What more to add but enjoy this amasing treat...

Starts at 8pm GMT+1