Thursday, November 4, 2010

Early Haydn by Beecham

This time I present what I believe to be Sir Thomas Beecham's only recording of an early Haydn symphony (from 1763), or indeed any Haydn symphony other than the last twelve (the "London" Symphonies, Nos. 93-104).  Someone correct me if I'm wrong!  Anyway, here it is:

Haydn: Symphony No. 40 in F Major
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded April 20, 1948
HMV DB 6823 and 6824, two 78-rpm records
Link (FLAC files, 35.47 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 15.75 MB)

On the eve of the Haydn anniversary year, 2009 (the 200th anniversary of his passing), I uploaded to RMCR four vintage recordings of his symphonies by four different British conductors (including Beecham).  I've re-uploaded these; here are the details:

Haydn: Symphony No. 22 in E-Flat Major ("The Philosopher")
London Baroque Ensemble, conducted by Karl Haas
Recorded July 4, 1951
Parlophone SW 8122 and 8123, two 78-rpm records
Link (FLAC files, 37.7 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 17.35 MB)

Haydn: Symphony No. 45 in F-Sharp minor ("Farewell")
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Henry J. Wood
Recorded April 19, 1934
Columbia LX 323 through 325, three 78-rpm records
Link (FLAC files, 57.34 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 24.42 MB)

Haydn: Symphony No. 95 in C minor
London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Hamilton Harty
Recorded October 14, 1935
Decca K 798 and 799, two 78-rpm records
Link (FLAC files, 38.17 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 16.33 MB)

Haydn: Symphony No. 102 in B-Flat Major
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham, Bart.
Recorded June and October, 1949
HMV DB 9449 through 9451, three 78-rpm records
Link (FLAC files, 48.67 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 25.55 MB)

Finally, for anyone interested in hearing my own piano playing, about this time last year I participated in a Haydn commemorative concert at my church, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, Ga.  From this concert I have uploaded two works: the "Gypsy Rondo" Piano Trio in G (with violinist Laura Reynolds and cellist James Woodall), and the wonderful Andante with Variations in F minor for piano solo.  Enjoy, but don't expect note-perfect playing!

Link (FLAC files, 95.58 MB)
Link (MP3 files, 35.6 MB)
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7 comments:

  1. Lawrence AustinNovember 4, 2010 at 10:18 PM

    Thanks for these, especially the Beecham. For me, Beecham, Scherchen, and some few others reign supreme in Haydn symphonies.

    ReplyDelete
  2. FredNovember 7, 2010 at 7:30 AM

    Bryan,

    A surprise for sure! I never imagined that Beecham recorded any Haydn below the "80's." Wow is all I can say!

    And, thanks for providing the chance to hear your own musical talents.

    Fred

    ReplyDelete
  3. SatyrNovember 8, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    That's lovely Haydn playing from you and your trio - vivid and with lots of joy. Catchy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SatyrNovember 8, 2010 at 4:32 PM

    I listened now to your solo playing - ah I love that piano piece (andante + var.) - I have 2 78s from Lily Kraus with this Haydn piece and for me that's the top... but I did enjoy your playing a lot. My admiration!

    ReplyDelete
  5. BryanNovember 10, 2010 at 11:51 AM

    Satyr - thanks for the kind words. I also have that Lili Kraus set and I agree with you - that's as good as it gets and I could never hope to come close, nevertheless, it was most enjoyable to learn and to play.

    ReplyDelete
  6. nibelungJanuary 13, 2011 at 9:38 AM

    Thank's! It is foundation!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lawrence AustinFebruary 13, 2011 at 10:14 PM

    Thank you! I adore Beecham's Haydn, and did not know about this recording.

    ReplyDelete

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