Search - Haydn, Mozzafiato, L'Archibudelli :: 8 Notturni for the King of Naples

Noble music for a nobleman

Gene DeSantis | Philadelphia, PA United States | 01/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Haydn wrote these eight small masterpieces for an instrument called the "lira organizzata" -- as the Haydn scholar (and artistic adviser on this album) H. C. Robbins Landon tells us in the liner notes, "a kind of hurdy-gurdy into which was built a miniature organ." But the instrument went the way of the dodo and the passenger pigeon; fortunately, its part could be taken up "by a recorder, flute or oboe (and best by a combination)," as we have here on this stirring album. If Haydn "suffers" from being in the long shadow of his pupil Mozart he must always shine through with that unique blend of understated eloquence and witty sunniness. The opening Marcia on the first of the notturni unforgettably sets the tone, almost prefiguring the first movement of Bizet's Symphony in C, with a blitheness of spirit and the most radiant inspiration. All eight of the notturni have it, more so with the superb playing in every note, and excellent sound to help bring it out."

Let Haydn Entertain You

Gene DeSantis | 05/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have little to add to the astute observations made by the reviewer from Philadelphia except to note that though most of the music of these Notturni could hardly be considered profound, it is entertainment music of the highest order, the sort of production that occurs when a great master turns to a lesser form. Place these works with the best of Mozart's divertimentos, Beethoven's Septet, and Schubert's Octet as the finest musical diversions of the Classical era. You'll think as you listen to the Notturni that you've found your favorite movements. The well-wrought sonata first movements of No. 2, No. 3, and No. 6? The horn-driven finale of No. 3 or the breakneck finale of No. 4? The melancholy little Adagio of No. 1, with its mellow clarinet utterances, or of No. 8, with its poignant, lonely music for the strings answered by the oboe? The clever fugal finale of No. 5? Then you quickly realize that the most wonderful thing about this music is the embarrass de richesse Haydn supplied for the King of Naples, who commissioned these works and certainly got more than his money's worth.I've been in love with these works since I encountered them on a long out-of-print Oiseau Lyre recording, and now I realize I hadn't really known them at all since the performances on the current Sony disc are so much more stylish and musicianly. The sound--intimate, detailed, yet with a lifelike hall ambience--could hardly be bettered either. Add to this detailed notes by Haydn specialist H. C. Robbins Landon, and you have a disc not to be missed by Haydn enthusiasts and lovers of lighter music fare from the 18th century."

Cheerful Haydn Miniatures

PN NJ | 05/05/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderful CD, available as an authorized CD-R reissue from ArkivMusic, with excellent sound quality and a reprint of the original liner notes.



You might also enjoy an import CD with Antal Dorati, titled "Haydn: 24 Minuets"."