Search - Haydn, Goodman, Hanover Band :: Symphonies 13-16

My Haydn addiction

Daniel R. Greenfield | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | 12/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I confess that I am addicted to the music of Haydn, and especially to the Hanover Band's recordings of the Haydn symphonies on Helios, Hyperion's budget label. Haydn's music has many charms, and Haydn's early symphonies never sounded better than when performed on period instruments, with conductor accompanying the orchestra (or band) on harpsichord, as originally intended. Haydn's music consistently lifts the spirit, clears the mind, and lightens the step. Considering how difficult it is to find any recordings of the early symphonies, these Goodman/Hanover period-instrument recordings are simply too good to pass up. Fortunately they are also more or less affordable. The early symphonies have some of the most delightful music Haydn ever composed. Listen to the minuet of the 14th symphony (sample #7 above) if you don't believe this. So please help yourselves to these innocent pleasures, one and all."