The so-called “London” symphony starts off with such a modern opening I almost thought I was listening to the wrong work – it’s practically Romantic. But the music soon settles in to what we would expect. Still, as first experiences with “The Father of the Symphony” go, it was quite shocking. Otherwise I guess it’s just a “High Classical” symphony, albeit a stellar example of that, but that intro is something special.

The 88th symphony is exactly what I was expecting from a Classical era symphony. I guess that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. I’m sure it’s a fine exemplar of the style, but I can’t say I love the style.

The so-called “Clock” symphony is not at all what I would think of when thinking of a clock, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. Of the Haydn symphonies I’ve heard so far, it’s probably the most “classic” in my mind, and the most enjoyable. I was more out and out impressed, perhaps by the “London”, but I think I like this more.

This is a fine set of Haydn’s late symphonies. I don’t know how you’d rate the performances to others, but for a Haydn neophyte, it sounds good to me.

9/10

1. Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob. I:104 “London”: I. Adagio – Allegro; 8:39
2. Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob. I:104 “London”: II. Andante; 7:43
3. Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob. I:104 “London”: III. Menuetto; 4:23
4. Symphony No. 104 in D Major, Hob. I:104 “London”: IV. Finale. Allegro spiritoso; 6:59
5. Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: I. Adagio – Allegro; 6:23
6. Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: II. Largo; 5:30
7. Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: III. Menuetto; 3:59
8. Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: IV. Finale. Allegro con spirito; 4:06
9. Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Hob. I:101 “Clock”: I. Adagio – Presto; 8:20
10. Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Hob. I:101 “Clock”: II. Andante; 7:04
11. Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Hob. I:101 “Clock”: III. Menuetto; 6:45
12. Symphony No. 101 in D Major, Hob. I:101 “Clock”: IV. Finale. Vivace