Joseph Haydn: Symphonies No's 6, 7 & 8

Description

The "Esterhazy Music Collection" is a series dedicated to presenting musical treasures largely forgotten over the centuries. It pays tribute to one of the most important Hungarian noble families, the imperial princes of Esterhazy.

From the 17th to the 19th century, the Princes of Esterhazy were as generous patrons of the arts as the most influential rulers of France, England and Austria.

Although the titles 'Le Matin', 'Le Midi' and 'Le Soir' have favoured the popularity of the three works in our time, they served Haydn merely as an inspiring impulse to compose.

Haydn's symphonies 6 -8 (the 'Times of Day' symphonies) are programmatic music only to a limited extent. They are compositions whose form tends more towards the Baroque concerto than the classical symphony, suggesting that Haydn wanted to show his employer at the times, Prince Ezsterhazy, the individual virtuosity of each of his musicians.

The three symphonies are characterised by their varied arrangement, themes and orchestration, demonstrating Haydn's skill and desire to show his musicians in the 'right light'.

This production is the first instalment of the new series "Esterhazy Music Collection" with the Orfeo Orchestra conducted by Gyorgy Vashegyi on the Accent label.

It will be dedicated to the presentation of musical treasures of the Esterhazy family, many of which have been largely neglected over the centuries.

This new recording took place in the Apollo Hall at the Eszterhazy Castle Fertod-Eszterhaza with its fine historical acoustics and which lends not only an incredible sound to these symphonies, but also nods towards authenticity.