Looking forward to the 300th Anniversary of the Birth of Haydn in 2032, the Joseph Haydn Stiftung of Basel has joined forces with the Alpha Classics label to make Haydn 2032, Vol. 16: The Surprise, part of a complete recording of the composer’s 107 symphonies.

This ambitious project is placed under the artistic direction of Giovanni Antonini, who will share the recordings between his ensemble Il Giardino Armonico and the Basel Chamber Orchestra. The aim is to celebrate one of the key composers in the history of music, one of the most prolific, but also one of the subtlest. Seeing the music of Haydn as ‘a kaleidoscope of human emotions’, Giovanni Antonini has decided to tackle the symphonies not in chronological order, but in thematically based programs (‘La passione’, ‘Il filosofo’, ‘Il distratto’, etc.).

Moreover, the Italian conductor believes it is important to establish links between these works and pieces written by other composers contemporary with Haydn or in some way connected with him. Hence, alongside his symphonies, the volumes will include music by figures like Gluck, W. F. Bach, Mozart and even Bartók.

Beyond its status as a unique discographical adventure, Haydn2032 will bring together leading European concert halls, which will present these programs to their audiences. For the visual presentation of each volume, Haydn2032 joins forces with a photographer from the famous Magnum agency. Haydn2032 also works with contemporary writers, who are writing an essay for each project title.

Il Giardino Armonico
Kammerorchester Basel
Giovanni Antonini, Conductor