Haydn 2032, Vol. 13: Horn Signal

Outstanding

“… The horns of Symphony 31 (Horn Signal) are thrillingly brazen in the first movement, whereas solo strings distinguish the rather dark slow movement, horns lurking though. Throughout these three works, each consistently evident of Haydn’s inventive genius, the musicians bring strength, style, sensitivity and security – period instruments mastered – so that the ‘Fire’ Symphony (No.59) lives up to its name in the opening movement, without being relentless …”

***** Coup de cœur

Exceptional Album

Orchestral Choice

Performance *****      Recording *****

“… Antonini coaxes first-class performances from Il Giardino Armonico…”

“… No one who loves this music as I do should be at all discourages from immersing themselves fully in the feast of scintillating music-making to be found throughout Antonini’s survey of this miraculous symphonic cycle. Vol. 13 is another undoubted triumph.”

“… The high standard in evidence on volume 13, the first that I have heard in this series, has inspired me to follow the cycle. Committed playing by a first-rate period-instrument ensemble, observation of all the repeats marked by Haydn, and scrupulous attention to detail that conveys the unique character of each symphony earn this disc an important place in the Haydn discography…”