Composer: Franz Joseph Haydn
Performer: Florilegium
Conductor: Ashley Solomon
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Channel
Catalogue: CCS44722
Release: 2022
Size: 2.35 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 6 in D major ‘Le Matin’
01. I. Adagio – Allegro
02. II. Adagio – Andante
03. III. Minuet
04. IV. Finale. Allegro
Symphony No. 7 in C major ‘Le Midi’
05. I. Adagio – Allegro
06. II. Recitativo. Adagio
07. III. Minuet
08. IV. Finale. Allegro
Symphony No. 8 in G major ‘Le Soir’
09. I. Allegro molto
10. II. Andante
11. III. Minuet
12. IV. La Tempesta. Presto
Recorded in St John’s Church West Norwood, London in March 2022, Florilegium release their 31st Channel Classics album: Haydn Symphonies Nos. 6, 7 and 8.
This recording involves 18 members of Florilegium, the exact same number Haydn had at his disposal when he composed these symphonies shortly after arriving at Esterhazy in 1761. Haydn’s first symphonies for his new employer, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, form a group of three entitled Morning, Noon and Night. Perhaps these were a result of the Prince’s suggestion that Haydn write something programmatic along the lines of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
As symphonies for a small chamber orchestra, all three exploit the solo skills of each of Florilegium’s principals, from flute to double bass, not to mention heroic horns as well as spectacular violin and cello solos, each vividly characterised in an almost operatic way. Florilegium’s previous Haydn London Symphonies recording was hailed as “first rate” by BBC Music Magazine.
Florilegium is one of Britain’s most outstanding period instrument groups specialising in music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of their recordings have garnered international awards over the years.