Author: Rattle, Simon

Format: Import

Release Date: 14-08-2007

Details: Product Description Rattle, Simon Amazon.ca This CD, recorded live, will leave you smiling with delight and amazement. These symphonies are among Haydn's greatest; written in 1788-89, they exhibit every facet of his technical skill, inspired inventiveness, and emotional range. At the height of his mature mastery, he experimented with new forms, daring modulations and key changes, and breathtaking swings of mood and character. One of his fingerprints is the alternation between serene major and somber minor, especially in his variations; but he has surprises in store everywhere, as solemnity gives way to sprightliness, elegance to rusticity, tragedy to mischievous humor. His practical jokes, such as the timpani wake-up call in the "Surprise" Symphony, are famous, but in Symphony No. 90, he plays what may be the ultimate prank on the audience: he introduces not one, but two very final-sounding deceptive endings, inviting and invariably eliciting applause followed by embarrassed laughter when the music continues. Simon Rattle savors this by capturing both reactions on the recording, but then repeats the movement without interruptions. His love for the music speaks through every note and his wonderful orchestra is with him all the way. The playing is brilliant and crystal clear, the balance is perfect, the phrasing like human speech. To further show off his principals, Rattle includes the delightful Sinfonia concertante, whose solo violin, cello, oboe, and bassoon parts are so difficult that only the best players dare attempt them. The performance is superb, but the violin sounds a bit remote. The recording abets Rattle's tendency to go to dynamic extremes--be ready to adjust the volume. --Edith Eisler

UPC: 094639423729

EAN: 0094639423729

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Condition: New