Search - Haydn, Andreas :: Haydn: Sonatas for Fortepiano, Hob. XVI / 48-52

This was Volume 1 of a series of three, but seems to be the only survivor in the current catalog. The biggest name in fortepiano Haydn recordings is Lola Odiaga (Albany and Titanic), whose Haydn playing is mellow and delightful. Andreas Staier's approach is perceptibly different from Odiaga's, more brilliant and aggressive. It's a difference of temperament, not quality, because his playing is just as insightful in its way as hers. These sonatas, Haydn's last, are some of his greatest, and the whole disc is superb from beginning to end. For some of us, though, it's not enough Haydn. Bring back those other two discs! --Leslie Gerber