Keyboard Sonata in D major, H. 16/42: 1. Andante con espressione
Keyboard Sonata in D major, H. 16/42: 2. Vivace assai
Keyboard Sonata in C major, H. 16/48: 1. Andante con espressione
Keyboard Sonata in C major, H. 16/48: 2. Rondo. Presto
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/49: 1. Allegro
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/49: 2. Adagio e cantabile
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/49: 3. Finale. Tempo di Minuet
Track Listings (8) - Disc #2
Keyboard Sonata in C major, H. 16/50: 1. Allegro
Keyboard Sonata in C major, H. 16/50: 2. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata in C major, H. 16/50: 3. Allegro molto
Keyboard Sonata in D major, H. 16/51: 1. Andante
Keyboard Sonata in D major, H. 16/51: 2. Finale. Presto
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/52: 1. Allegro
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/52: 2. Adagio
Keyboard Sonata in E flat major, H. 16/52: 3. Finale. Presto
At one point in his life, Gould projected recording a complete Haydn sonata cycle. It's a terrible pity he never got to it, for if he had, the music itself would doubtless be more popular than it is today. Gould himself re... more »alized that Haydn's solo keyboard music was generally of higher quality than Mozart's, and we can only be grateful that he did get around to making this delightful set containing the last six sonatas. Aside from his gifts as a musician, Gould was also one of the funniest artists of this century, just as Haydn was in his day. This meeting of two great comics makes for some highly memorable listening. --David Hurwitz« less
At one point in his life, Gould projected recording a complete Haydn sonata cycle. It's a terrible pity he never got to it, for if he had, the music itself would doubtless be more popular than it is today. Gould himself realized that Haydn's solo keyboard music was generally of higher quality than Mozart's, and we can only be grateful that he did get around to making this delightful set containing the last six sonatas. Aside from his gifts as a musician, Gould was also one of the funniest artists of this century, just as Haydn was in his day. This meeting of two great comics makes for some highly memorable listening. --David Hurwitz
CD Reviews
Bringing out the hidden complexity of Haydn
Joanna Daneman | Middletown, DE USA | 01/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The problem with Glenn Gould recordings is that you need two sets of the same works: one Glenn Gould set and one by some other pianist, so you can see how the REST of the world does it. Otherwise, you won't appreciate the surprises that Gould's quirky genius is bringing to the music.The Haydn Sonatas on these recordings bring out all the hidden complexity in a seemingly simple composer. To ears trained on the later Romantics, Haydn can seem a bit simplistic and rhythmically boring. Not so in the hands of Mr. Gould. The joy and sunlight are all here, coupled with Gould's fascinating staccato, interesting left hand and his ability to ferret out the secret melody hidden between the lines. Whenever I put on this CD, I discover Haydn again. This CD stays so fresh and new, I am always amazed."
Lively and Lots of Fun
Anne M. Marble | MD, USA | 06/26/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Anybody who tells you that later recordings by Glenn Gould were cold and clinical... hasn't heard this set. (Or they heard it but didn't listen.) I'm glad I listened to the members of the F-Minor (Glenn Gould) mailing list who recommended this recording. After you listen to this version, most other versions of the last Haydn sonatas are simply... boring.Even people who aren't huge fans of Glenn Gould's Bach might like this one. My mother thinks Bach is generally too serious, but she loves this recording. (So much so that she "borrowed" my tape of this recording and kept it in her car for months.)Anne M. Marble -- All About Romance"
Sparkling Delight
grandpiano_57 | Burlington, CT USA | 06/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These renditions of 6 late Hadyn piano Sonatas capture a spirit of inventiveness and joy with which I believe they were written. One is drawn into the music and held spellbound as Glenn Gould plays with respect, discovery, poise and humor. Anyone familiar with any of "Papa" Hadyn's music knows that these qualities serve his music well. Every performance is commendable and the piano sound on this early digital recording is superb. Glenn Gould had long since given up the concert stage to pursue the art of making recordings. He was obviously thrilled to get a chance to perform these Hadyn sonatas using this new technology. We are all the richer for this excellent CD. I was charmed by this music and I recommended this recording highly."
A Meeting of Musical Minds
T. Chambers | Home | 05/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is my favorite Glenn Gould recording, as well as my favorite recording of any of Haydn's music. In a word, it is...Magical! This is also one of the best piano recordings I have ever heard. The joy, wit and humor of this music simply sparkle through your loudspeakers! You can't help but come away feeling enlightened and refreshed after listening to this disk. This is truly a "meeting of the minds". Although this recording is from the earliest days of digital, it sounds remarkable - whereas most digital recordings from this period sound like s**t. We are blessed that Glenn Gould was able to deliver to us this thoroughly enjoyable recording before his premature demise. I only wish that he had had the chance to record all of Haydn's piano sonatas."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1