Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, George Szell, Cleveland Orchestra :: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 93, 95 & 97

Great Haydn, great price

bruce horner | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This, along with it's companion disc containing Szell and the C. O. performances of Haydn's 92nd, 94th, and 96th, is one of the great bargains in the classical bins today. Intelligent and precise, yet powerful and passionate...and available at a (for CD) rock bottom price. What are you waiting for?"

One could only wish...

M. Seeley | Charlotte, NC | 02/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One could only wish that Szell could have captured the remaining London symphonies on tape before his death. What is extant are truly amazing performances. Szell captures the wit and humor of Haydn more than anyone I know. His Clevelanders play with razor sharp precision that just enhances the buoyant rhythms. The playing crackles with vitality!



Szells account of the 93rd is worth the price of this CD alone. The bassoon belch in the second movement is hilarious, perhaps reminding the listener of a Whoopie-cushion. Szell really had a way with Haydn. A serious Haydn collection should not be without this, or the disk with the 92, 94, and 96 symphonies."

Classic performances @ a give-away price

Michael Bernstein | Coulterville, California United States | 04/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These performances exemplify why in the 1960s the Cleveland Orchestra was at the top of many lists as the greatest orchestra in the world. The ensemble's perfect precision is breathtaking - and Szell was a master Haydn interpreter. These rank with my other favorite Haydn recordings, those of Leonard Bernstein on Sony (not DG). Any lover of Haydn should have both conductors' recordings, for they are fascinatingly different, yet both true to the unique individualism of this under-rated master. In listening to both conductors' interpretations, Haydn emerges as a genius in his own right, not simply a precursor to Mozart and Beethoven."