Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Joseph Haydn with this comprehensive collection, expertly conducted by the esteemed Sir Simon Rattle. Released on April 15, 2022, via Warner Classics, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 48 minutes, featuring 35 tracks that showcase Haydn's mastery of symphonic and choral composition.
The album opens with Haydn's Symphony No. 88 in G Major, a work that exemplifies his early classical style, followed by selections from his monumental oratorio "The Creation." This piece, with its vivid depictions of the world's genesis, is a cornerstone of the choral repertoire, featuring stunning arias and choruses that bring the biblical narrative to life. The album also includes several of Haydn's symphonies, each offering a unique blend of innovation and elegance. From the playful "Il distratto" (Symphony No. 60) to the profound "The Philosopher" (Symphony No. 22), and the dramatic "Surprise Symphony" (Symphony No. 94), these works highlight Haydn's enduring influence on classical music.
Sir Simon Rattle's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to these beloved works, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra delivering a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. Whether you're a seasoned Haydn enthusiast or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The inclusion of the Sinfonia Concertante in B-Flat Major and Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major further underscores Haydn's versatility and genius, making this a essential addition to any classical music collection.
Haydn: Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: I. Adagio - AllegroJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Haydn: Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: II. LargoJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Haydn: Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: III. Menuetto - TrioJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Haydn: Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: IV. Finale. Allegro con spiritoJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 1: No. 2, Air and Chorus. "Now Vanish Before the Holy Beams" (Uriel, Chorus)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 1: No. 6, Air. "Rolling in Foaming Billows" (Raphael)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, David Thomas, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 1: No. 8, Air. "With Verdure Clad" (Gabriel)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 1: No. 10, Chorus. "Awake the Harp" (Chorus)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 1: No. 13, Trio and Chorus. "The Heavens Are Telling" (Chorus, Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, David Thomas, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 2: No. 19, Trio and Chorus. "The Lord Is Great" (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael, Chorus)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, David Thomas, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 2: No. 24, Air. "In Native Worth" (Uriel)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 2: No. 27, Trio. "On Thee Each Living Soul Awaits" (Gabriel, Uriel, Raphael)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, David Thomas, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 3: No. 30a, Duet with Chorus. "By Thee With Bliss" (Eve, Adam, Chorus)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, David Thomas, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: The Creation, Hob. XXI:2, Pt. 3: No. 34, Chorus with Soli. "Sing the Lord" (Chorus)Joseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Arleen Auger, City of Birmingham Symphony Chorus, David Thomas, Philip Langridge, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": I. Adagio - Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": II. AndanteJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": III. Menuetto - TrioJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": IV. PrestoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": V. Adagio di lamentationeJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 60 in C Major, Hob. I:60 "Il distratto": VI. Finale. PrestissimoJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Haydn: Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:105: I. AllegroJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Georg Faust, Jonathan Kelly, Stefan Schweigert, Toru Yasunaga
Haydn: Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:105: II. AndanteJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Georg Faust, Jonathan Kelly, Stefan Schweigert, Toru Yasunaga
Haydn: Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:105: III. Allegro con spiritoJoseph Haydn, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Georg Faust, Jonathan Kelly, Stefan Schweigert, Toru Yasunaga
Haydn: Symphony No. 22 in E-Flat Major, Hob. I:22 "The Philosopher": I. AdagioJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 22 in E-Flat Major, Hob. I:22 "The Philosopher": II. PrestoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 22 in E-Flat Major, Hob. I:22 "The Philosopher": III. MenuettoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 22 in E-Flat Major, Hob. I:22 "The Philosopher": IV. Finale. PrestoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 90 in C Major, Hob. I:90: I. Adagio - Allegro assaiJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 90 in C Major, Hob. I:90: II. AndanteJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 90 in C Major, Hob. I:90: III. Menuetto - TrioJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 90 in C Major, Hob. I:90: IV. Finale. Allegro assaiJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: I. Largo - Allegro vivaceJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: II. AdagioJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: III. Menuetto - TrioJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major, Hob. I:102: IV. Finale. PrestoJoseph Haydn, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle
Franz Joseph Haydn, a titan of the Classical period, stands as one of the most influential composers in Western music history. Born in Rohrau, Austria, in 1732, Haydn's prolific output and innovative spirit earned him the titles "Father of the Symphony" and "Father of the String Quartet." His genius lies in his ability to synthesize emerging musical styles, creating a balanced fusion of intellect and emotion that resonates with audiences to this day. Haydn's contributions to chamber music, particularly the string quartet and piano trio, have left an indelible mark on the genre. His optimistic outlook and Enlightenment ideals are woven into his compositions, making each piece a journey through the human experience. From his early works to his late masterpieces, Haydn's music continues to inspire and captivate, solidifying his status as one of the greatest masters of classical music.