Haydn: Concertos, German Dances & Overtures

"Written while asleep", wrote Haydn on the score of the first of these concertos. Well, perhaps. And of course one has probably heard performances during which some of the players were undoubtedly asleep. But none of them, surely, could have dropped off on this occasion: both concertos are far too alive to conceive the possibility. Barry Tuckwell plays and phrases splendidly, not in the least intimidated by the range in both directions demanded of him by Haydn. And the orchestra are with him: stylish and alert."
(Gramophone on the Horn Concertos)

"The harpsichord concerto is neatly played, tempi distinctly on the lively side, but with spruce rhythms from Neville Marriner's orchestra and a crisp and brilliant account of the harpsichord part from George Malcolm."
(Gramophone on the Harpsichord Concerto)

A generous collection of Haydn Concertos, Overtures and Dances, this 2CD set offers the Philips recordings of the Cello Concertos and the Argo recordings of the remaining works. Although issued in various reissues, the Marriner/Argo Haydn Concertos have never before been offered collectively, and this collection offers a great opportunity to explore these recordings from 1966-69. Familiar works such as the E flat major Trumpet Concerto and the two Cello Concertos appear together with the little-known Organ Concerto. Also on offer are two sets of German Dances/Allemandes (both making their first appearance on CD) and a pair of Overtures, of which that for Acide e Galatea is a first-on-CD release.