Sinfonia Concertante in B flat & Symphony No. 100 in G

The court of the Esterházys was known throughout Europe for its splendour and magnificence. During a trip to France in 1764, Nikolaus Esterházy had been so impressed by the grandeur of Versailles that he decided to build a summer residence in Esterháza to rival the French example. And if we are to believe the descriptions of contemporaries, he was as good as his word. Magnificent parties were held at Esterháza, and each occasion was accompanied by music and theatrical performances. The ‘Beschreibung des Hochfu?rstlichem Schlosses Esterháss’ (= description of the royal palace Esterháss), dating from 1784, contains the following passage: “Every day both serious and comic operas, as well as German comedies, are staged, which are always attended by Prince Esterházy. The performance usually begins at six o’clock at night. What the eyes and ears experience here, is impossible to describe. The music stemming from the full orchestra penetrates the soulranging from the most moving tenderness to the greatest possible brute force produced by the instruments. Mr. Haydn, the great composer who serves the prince as musical leader, is himself also in charge of the excellent illumination, which provides the most deceptive tableaux. Clouds bearing gods slowly descend, rising again after some time to disappear from view. At times, one thinks that one is in a beautiful garden; at others, in an enchanted forest or manorial hall.”