Sir Colin Davis, London Symphonie Orchestra - Haydn: Symphonies 92, 93, 97-99 (2014) [SACD]

The London Symphonies of Franz Joseph Haydn were composed for impresario Johann Peter Salomon, who introduced the composer to London over 2 visits between 1791 & 1795. Except for the Symphony #92 in G major, “Oxford,” which Haydn took with him when he received an honorary doctorate at Oxford University in 1791, & the Symphony #99 in E flat major, which was composed on a return to Vienna in 1793, the symphonies between them were written for Salomon’s 1st series of concerts at Hanover Square, which brought Haydn great recognition & remuneration. They mark a change of direction in Haydn’s method of composition, because he was no longer writing for the small court orchestra of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, but for Salomon’s much larger orchestra, which called for robust & innovative music. This double-SACD set from LSO Live presents Colin Davis with the London Symphony Orchestra in bold & vigorous concert performances that offer extraordinary sonorities in the spacious Mch recording. The orchestra’s playing is vibrant & energetic, & the radiant acoustics of the Barbican give the symphonies the warmth & richness that they need. For mainstream interpretations on modern instruments, this package is sure to satisfy all but the most adamant period-style purists. However, note that this set does not include the Symphony #94 in G major, “Surprise”; the Symphony #95 in C minor; or the Symphony #96 in D major, “Miracle,” which may be a drawback for some collectors.