Haydn: 24 Minuets

"From the wonderful folks at Universal Australia comes this marvelous and important reissue of music that has only been generally available on one other label (CPO), but that otherwise receives little or no attention on disc. This is a pity, for Haydn's 24 Minuets is without question the finest single collection of dance music by any of the three great composers of the First Viennese School, and this is a wonderful performance of it. Whereas in the symphonies Dorati's treatment of the minuets sometimes could sound a bit clucky and slow, especially by today's "period-instrument" standards, here he seems to catch the spirit of the dance especially well (Haydn often complained of his minuets being taken too quickly for their proper rhythm to register as a genuine dance step). The playing of the Philharmonica Hungarica also is excellent, and the sonics are among the best in Dorati's Decca Haydn series. So if you missed this release years ago, don't squander your second chance to grab at budget price one of Haydn's least-known major works (albeit a "light" one), and an essential addition to any collection of his orchestral music."
(10/10 for performance and sound quality ClassicsToday.com)

"As a pendant to his legendary cycle of the Haydn symphonies with the Philharmonia Hungarica, Antal Dorati also recorded supplementary symphonies and the Sinfonia Concertante, all of which made their way into the highly-regarded boxed set of these works. However as a pendant he also recorded these gorgeous 24 Minuets - then, as now, a comparative rarity. The recording appeared briefly on Decca's 'Serenata' series but has long been deleted and has now become something of a collector's item. Here it is happily restored to CD at budget price.

"This is a disc for completists who have collected Dorati's cycles of Haydn symphonies and operas and wish to supplement their collections. Provided you tackle this disc over several sessions and not straight through in a single sitting there is pleasant listening to be had. These readings are marvellously alive; Papa Haydn in his best dancing mood. Recording, presentation and notes are all first class and your enjoyment is guaranteed. Very highly recommended."
(MusicWeb Aug 2005)