Marc Minkowski - Haydn: London Symphonies (2013) [Hi-Res]

Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble have been working now for over 30 years on the vocal and symphonic repertories, expanding from the initial baroque repertory to span the centuries, taking in Mozart, Schubert, Berlioz and Wagner, without losing any vigour.

Far from a solemn commemoration, Minkowski celebrates Haydn in a free, inventive spirit, refreshes the tempi, restores the original line-up of 60 musicians, and breathes vivacity to reveal “Haydn’s Dionysian side and also his inner garden”. Julian Sykes concludes: “The theatrical momentum produced by these interpretations […] is reminiscent of the sweeping energy of Leonard Bernstein. Minkowski does not stylise; he looks for the big picture, moves forward without the little mannerisms of the baroque...but without sacrificing detail” (Le Temps, October 2010). This 2009 Live recording in the Vienna Konzerthaus of the twelve “London” Symphonies, rewarded by a Diapason d’or, a Diapason d’or for 2010 and the German Record Critics’ award and is ranked in the Top 10 for 2010 by Belgium’s Le Soir.