Search - Haydn, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra :: Symphonies 53 "L'Imperiale", 73 & 79

Haydn needs a conductor

HB | Fort Mill, SC | 06/03/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The symphonies of Haydn need a conductor, in my opinion. This CD features two of Haydn better known works, Symphonies Nos.53 and 73. Sym. No. 53 is a beautiful work that reaches its peak in its amazing finale. No. 73 is one of Haydn's masterworks and quite famous for its outrageous finale. No. 79 sounds like Haydn is spoofing himself. There are so many musical jokes in this work, it will keep you wondering what is really going on here. The playing of Orpheus on this CD is extremely close to total perfection. These works could not be played any better. However, the performances lack passion, the type of passion a conductor could bring to the music. This CD is currently unavailable and the cheapest version available from private sources is $28.00. I cannot think of any CD worth that much money, especially since CDs are routinely reissued. Save your money and buy a different recording, one that has a conductor."

No Conductor Needed

Mark Amorose | Concord, CA United States | 12/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is both sad and puzzling that DG has not re-released any of the Orpheus Haydn recordings. These are simply the best performances of the Imperial (53) and the Hunt (73) on record. Number 79 (though nameless, the greatest of these three works) is also beautifully played, but I haven't heard any other recordings to compare it to (it has not been much recorded). As for the lack of a conductor - there was no such thing as a conductor when Haydn wrote his 104+ symphonies!"