The ones who know it best
Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 05/16/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I suppose it's a tad bit ethnocentric to assume that because Fischer and the Haydn Orchestra are Hungarian they'd be able to play Haydn better than anyone else, but in this case I feel it's true. Aside from having a high level of technical skill, the orchestra puts real verve and life into their performances. (You will never listen to another recording of the "Military" symphony again.) This is coupled with Fischer's flair for the dramatic; endings are rallentandoed appropriately, and each piece shines with the sense that it is being thoroughly interpreted, not just perfunctorily played through. A rather muffled-sounding recording of the "Clock" symphony and some blurriness in the first movement of the "Military" does not detract from the overall greatness of these interpretations. Ethnocentric or not, these players know what they're doing."
Very enjoyable
Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 03/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have enjoyed these discs quite a bit. The playing is fabulous, and the conducting is fine. Sometimes the engineering is a little muddy, but not near enough to destroy my pleasure.For the ultimate London symphonies, I highly recommend Beecham on EMI. No one has matched his charm and wit with the drama. Fischer's recordings are great; Beecham is awesome!"