Search - Sir Colin Davis, Concertgebouw Orchestra :: Haydn: 6 "London" Symphonies

Comparison - Jochum's Set vs. Colin Davis'

Johnson Lee | Irvine, CA USA | 02/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jochum and London Phil deliver the highest level of Haydn playing just like Colin Davis and Concertgebow do. I own both and tried to compare between two.



Jochum adds plenty of personal touches that decidedly grab your attention. You hear poignant romanticism or Beethoven-like roar in many places. Colin Davis, by comparison, lets the music flow naturally and makes it sound more balanced. In his set, you hear more of Concertgebow Orchestra than Colin Davis. I think it's the other way around in Jochum set. Concergebow's sound is more transparent and charmingly light-footed while London Phil sounds fuller and creamier without losing crispness. You get more agility and refinement from Davis set. You get more expressiveness and warmth from Jochum's.

Let me emphasize that all of the good qualities I attributed to either of the sets actually exist in both (they are inherently in Haydn's writing). It's just that some qualities are more apparent in one than the other.

As to the recording, Colin Davis set has more sparkle and vividness. It sounds more modern. Jochum's has a typical old-fashioned analogue sound in a very good way. It has plenty of natural ambience but doesn't sound muddy.

I recommend you buy both of these delightful and affordable sets. I never regretted doing so :-)

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Haydn in very good hands!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 02/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"By all accounts Haydn, has had an admirable legion of interpreters but just a few of remarkable ones.



If I had to pronounce myself for the most competent and eloquent directors, four names would have to be mentioned: Hermann Scerchen and his milestone recordings with Vienna Symphony during the Fifties, loaded of opulence and Imperial dignity; the legendary recordings of Tomas Beecham, the successful approach of Bernstein- New York and finally these invaluable treasured jewels with Davis and the distinguished and resonant sound of Concertgebouw. Ddavis is competent director who has been particularly fortunate with other Orchestras, such Boston (His Sibelius cycle is a must-have for most of serious collectors) or Bavarian Orchestra. Davis not only plays a superb Haydn, but besides, having deciphered the Haydn code through a zealous and rigorous analysis of the score produces admirable filigrees with these Symphonies.



Go for this set, without dilation.





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