“Mr. Salomon having taken a journey to Vienna purposely to engage the celebrated Haydn, Chapel-Master to his present Highness Prince Esterhzy, to come to England, most respectfully aquaints the Nobility and the Gentry that he has actually signed an agreement with Mr. Haydn. (They) hope to be in London before the end of December, when Mr. Salomon will have the honour of submitting to the Publick a Plan of a Subscription Concert, which he flatters himself will meet with its Approbation and Encouragement.” (Morning Chronicle, Dec. 29th 1790) 
This announcement heralded one of history’s most successful musical coups. The violinist, composer and impresario Johann Peter Salomon (1745-1815) managed to secure a visit to London from one of Europe’s most revered composers. The arrangement promised gain to all involved: Haydn was to receive the princely sum of 1200 pounds (far exceeding any of his previous earnings); Salomon was to put on an eagerly awaited series of concerts in the Hannover Square Rooms featuring Haydn’s latest works; and the public was to be presented with the pinnacle of Haydn’s symphonic oeuvre – the 12 London Symphonies.
Salomons timing in securing this accord was impeccable. Haydns patron of 29 years, Prince Nicolaus von Exterhzy had died earlier in the year, and his less artistically inclined son, Anton, duly sacked the court orchestra, pensioning off the 58 year old Kapelmeister. In contrast “Haydn is quite extraordinarily popular here. His Ouvertures and Symphonies are constantly performed” wrote the London correspondent of the German Journal des Luxus und der Moden…
Tracklist
Please note that the below previews are loaded as 44.1 kHz / 16 bit.Total time: 01:12:21
Additional information
| Label | |
|---|---|
| SKU | 19603 |
| Qualities | |
| Channels | 2ch Stereo, 5 Channel Surround Sound, 2ch Stereo & 5ch Surround |
| Artists | |
| Composers | |
| Genres | |
| Cables | van den Hul T3 series |
| Digital Converters | Grimm A/D DSD / Meitner DA |
| Mastering Engineer | Jared Sacks |
| Mastering Equipment | B&W 803 diamond series |
| Microphones | Bruel & Kjaer, Schoeps |
| Mixing Board | Rens Heijnis custom design |
| Instruments | Flute, Cello, Fortepiano, Viola, Violin |
| Original Recording Format | |
| Producer | Jared Sacks |
| Recording Engineer | Jared Sacks |
| Recording Software | Pyramix bij Merging |
| Recording Type & Bit Rate | DSD64 |
| Speakers | Audiolab, Holland |
| Release Date | January 13, 2014 |
Press reviews
Klassieke Zaken
Enorme spiritualiteit waarmee Florilegium de muziek te lijf gaat een intieme, kamermuziekachtig sfeer
Katholiek Dagblad
De complete symphonien blijven overeind en door de kleine bezetting zijn de muzikale lijnen zelfs veel beter te volgen.
Bayerische Rundfunkt, 4 Klassik
kammermusikalisch intim und das auf hchsten Niveau. Eine CD fr Sammler, die schon alles haben – und fr Klassikfreunde, die spa daran haben, das Original mit der Solomon-Frassung zu vergleichen.
Le Journal de Montreal
Das Ensemble spielt die Stcke mit so viel Esprit und feinziseliertem Zugriff, dass man nach kurzer Zeit gar nicht mehr an das Original denkt und nur noch geniet. Toccata () La sonorit de l’enregistrement est un blouissement pour les oreilles. Et quelle vitalit dans ces symphonies!! Un must dans une discotheque.
Internationale Record Review
The playing is very good. The incredible spraky account of the first movement of The Surprise (nr. 94) offers a good sampler no orchestral group could match this agility. clearly, character and vigour are more important to this group than the Classical virtues of poise and polish, and I heartily applaud their priorities
Gramophone
A Surprise first issue of the chamber reductions of Haydns great symphonies. () these arrangements are worth hearing. () () How often listeners will want to hear these arrangements must be a personal decision, but the first instalment, well-recorded with stylish if occasionally abrasive period performances and the advantage of an SACD alternative can be warmly recommended to anyone who is intrigued.
BBC Music Magazine
have they (the transcriptions) anything important to tell us about Haydn? Well, go back to the full orchestral versions after these radically slimmed down versions and you’ll immediately be struck by the brilliance of Haydn’s orchestration. But at the same time these superbly accomplished, intelligent and spirited performances show how little of the substance of Haydn’s music need be lost in translation. More than that, they show that a chamber ensemble can bring out details and subleties that might be masked in an orchestral performance. They’re also very enjoyable to listen to – surprisingly so, in fact. That’s partly because of the excellent recordings, which balance the ensemble to perfection and give it a wonderful bloom. Quite simply, this is first rate Haydn playing, and strongly recommendable as that.
Classicalcdreview.com
one of the finest period instrument ensembles of our time () () splendid, spirited performances
Classics today.com
there’s plenty of reason to play and enjoy listening to these arrangements, and Florilegium offers lively, impulsive performances that are strong on charm
1 review for Haydn – London Symphonies Arr. Salomon
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Papa Haydn! Just beautiful!
Daryl Funk (verified owner) –