Repertoire: The Haydn Symphony CRUSADE (No. 41)

[@flowsouth8496]

I know it's not the main topic of the video, but I love the sharpness and clarity of the recording. This is a case where we can truly be thankful to the historically informed movement for pioneering this style of performance. If only the strings were a little bit richer, and I'm not even mentioning the h-word this time.

[@1984robert]

This is one of the earliest example where Haydn starts the otherwise presto finale in piano volume. He utilizes this dramaturgy in many of his subsequent symphonies. I loooove this! Music starts very quietly but very fast. And he increases the volume suddenly later on. This is also something I rarely hear in other composers' symphonies. Other composers start finale usually very loud because they think the finale must be loud (at least when starts). But Haydn's way gives a music an extraordinary urgency, tension and excitement.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Mozart does just that, very wittily, in his "Paris" Symphony.

[@1984robert]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Oh yes, I didn't remember that.

[@felipeechavarria7229]

Amazing symphony..... the finale, always knocks me off my chair!!

[@robertbubeck9194]

Henceforth, the Haydn No. 41 shall be known as "die Etwas-aus-Nichts-Symphonie". Wonderfully clear exposition of the work, Dave. Following up by listening to the same recording in full, I found the performance by the Cologne Chamber Orchestra to be spot on. A delightful way to wrap up the day. Thanks.

[@AlexMadorsky]

Thanks for fighting through the false copyright claims to continue this essential series! I know it must be utterly flabbergasting to deal with the legal mumbo-jumbo.

[@MegaVicar]

Thanks for this! Haydn’s music definitely deserves such focused, caring treatment. No matter how slowly you have to post these, we all look forward to your next installment. This is a great service!

[@TheScottishoats]

Thank you for this particularly enjoyable review. Beautiful symphony, intelligently presented. You single-handedly quelled my own sturm und drang, this morning. One of your finest.

[@carlconnor5173]

That dang continuo gets in the way of that marvelous, flowing interplay between the flute and the strings

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Actually, I think it's pretty sensitively done in this case.

[@carlconnor5173]

@@DavesClassicalGuide It doesn’t bother me so much in the other movements, perhaps because more instruments are involved. But I find it disruptive in this movement. It interferes with the natural continuation Haydn created, to my ears anyway.

[@cappycapuzi1716]

for the most part, I prefer Dorati's recordings of these symphonies for their richer sound and less obtrusive harpsichord. But Herr Dorati is timpani shy! I really like Naxos' "Thwack" of the timpani in that opening theme or gesture. More interesting and fun. Dorati's is more subdued.

[@1984robert]

Similar to the finale of this symphony but maybe even more incredible is the finale of 70th symphony. Same five note but without even rhythmic pattern.

[@adibhattacharyya8690]

The ending of the slow movement exposition is so incredibly beautiful! Those flute scales accompanied by that 'hypnotic' held wind chords...it seems like music lazily veering into nothingness. My first thought upon hearing that bit was ending of Shostakovich 8 which also has that 'sound into nothingness' quality. Dave, thanks for the talk ....i think this passage could be a great 'How it's done' video ....

[@dirienzo98]

The main theme of the 1st movement reminds me a lot of the one in the first movement of Mozart’s symphony 39

[@russschmidt7701]

Your comment about Hayden being a evolutionary composer hit me when before watching the latest installment I was listening to No. 82 and was struck by some of the similarities between the works. Give a try and see what you think. As always thanks for the latest and look forward to the next.

[@cappycapuzi1716]

exceptional is the right word, for sure! Beethoven could make something out of nothing too! Now I know from whom he learned it: HAYDN!

[@robkeeleycomposer]

Dave, have you considered doing a video (even better, a crusade) on Haydn’s marvellous piano trios?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sure, but I can only do so much at a time. It will have to wait.

[@TheUtke]

“Art is making something out of nothing, and selling it.” Frank Zappa

[@willcwhite]

Could you say something about Haydn’s Sturm und Drang period as it compares to the music of CPE Bach?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Haydn and CPE Bach were great admirers of each other. Haydn said he studied CPE and learned much from his music. I have an idea for a video about this, so stay tuned.

[@пейнтболмосквы]

@@DavesClassicalGuide I heard that Haydn, being a young poor guy without any sources of stable income, has once spent his monthly earnings to buy CPE Bach's book "The Art of Clavier Playing" or whatever it's called.

[@marknewkirk4322]

The Naxos recording is good, but really this symphony cries out for more weight. I think the Adam Fischer recording in his complete set is superb. Is there a good "one-off" recording by a big orchestra that is recommendable?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@UlfilasNZ]

There's a single disc from Bruno Weil and Tafelmusik with symphonies 41-43 which I really enjoy. Not big-band but maybe worth a listen.

[@felipeechavarria7229]

Hi, Daivd... would you consider doing a Haydn opera crusade??

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I will talk about some of them (working on one now in fact), but not systematically at this time.

[@felipeechavarria7229]

@@DavesClassicalGuide thank you..