Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Adam Fischer, Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra :: Haydn: Symphonies 88-92 (Box Set)

Worthy of Papa Haydn's Approval!

C. Greco | 08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Conductor Adam Fischer has accomplished what few other of his peers can claim: he has recorded all of Joseph Haydn's 104 Symphonies, which are available in a series of volumes (albiet not together in a massive set, which would be enjoyable). Not only has Fischer done this, but his renditions of Haydn's works are utterly superb! My own favorite Haydn symphony has long been the 48th, his "Maria Theresia." The energy and passion of the work, I submit, exceeds anything else the composer ever accomplished in his symphonic endeavors. And Fischer captures the 48th symphony with staggering accuracy and dynamic range. This point perhaps best summarizes ALL of the conductor's versions of Haydn's symphonies. Working with the polished and richly-textured Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra (a name perfectly suited for a group attempting these works) Fischer manages to capture the essential excitement, warmth, emotional surge, soothing undertones, and most importantly, the sheer musical vision of each of Haydn's symphonies. While these works come as a set, one should not make the tragic mistake of interpreting these symphonies as a long, entertwined linkage of Haydnian thought; each of Haydn's 104 symphonic visions are unique, vastly different expressions of musical observation and explorations of musical intellect. He wrote one hundred and four symphonies! That number itself bespeaks the epic breadth of Papa Haydn's musical vision; Mozart had good reason to refer to his close friend as "The Master"! The gloriously rich and epic history of recorded classical music will eventually hold Fischer as one of, if not THE, premiere Haydn interpreteur -- and rightfully so. This set comes HIGHLY recommended for any admirer of Joseph Haydn's accomplishments, and indeed any lover of the classical genre as a whole."

Another great volume in the collection

R. Graham | Tulsa, OK USA | 12/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After much research, I chose this cycle from Nimbus records to complete my Hadyn Symphonies collection. Adam Fischer and the Austro-Hungarian Haydn Orchestra is scheduled to complete all volumes of this 8 volume set in October 2001 (ending with Volume 2).As with the other volumes that I have reviewed, this one is also technically flawless. It is a full digital recording so even the finest details can be heard.Great discs, impressive packaging and its part of a set that is destined to become the benchmark for a complete symphony set."

Witty and affectionate readings

S. Jones | Schenectady | 07/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For years I've been wondering about Fischer's Haydn cycle. It had generally fine reviews, and Fischer seemed to be making Haydn a personal specialty, but one of the early reviews complained about terrible sound. Finally I tried out his edition of the Surprise symphony, and was delighted. All the Fischer CDs I've heard since then do have problems with the sound, and this collection is the same or perhaps worse; all the dynamics are there, and you can enjoy the wonderful touches of orchestration, but the sound is a bit heavy (or muffled) -- while the music is anything but. Still, I've heard much worse muffling, and this is compensated by Fischer's conducting, which is wonderfully bright and alive. It's odd to read in the notes how Haydn brings in timpani or trumpets, when Fischer tends to smooth out the instrumental textures; but he does it brilliantly, and loses none of Haydn's wit and variety. My only complaint is in the Oxford symphony, where Fischer downplays the fun of the priceless tunes in the final moment. This loses a star for that, and for sound, but I'm overall quite happy with the purchase."