Ansermet’s invigorating and unsentimental way with Haydn has been documented on Eloquence with reissues of the Paris symphonies (480 1942) and the Symphonies Nos. 22 & 90 (480 0378). What Ansermet loved about Haydn above all was his ability to ‘express afresh every time, in so satisfying and charming a way, his moral health and optimism.’ In the course of his analysis, Ansermet also admires a ‘heartfelt simplicity… a richness and a purity that give his work its personal, never-changing character.’
No. 101, the ‘Clock’ finds him in his element, taking a noble and unsentimental approach to the symphony’s introduction before launching its main argument with the kind of rhythmically-taut elan that distinguishes his many recordings of Ravel and Stravinsky. Made on 11th July,1949, in the famously sympathetic acoustic of the Victoria Hall in Geneva, the recording was both Ansermet’s first Haydn on record and his last recording on 78rpm. When issued on the brand-new LP format in May 1950, the recording caused a stir in the pages of Gramophone, prompting a long letter from an excited reader: ‘I have never heard such reproduction on discs – not ever. The Haydn is incredibly pure.’
The spirit of Haydn was reborn in the astonishingly fresh and accomplished Symphony composed by Georges Bizet as a 17-year-old student in Paris: a masterpiece of succinctness and joie de vivre with writing of dazzling quality and a wonderful melodic sense. The work inspired great affection in Ansermet who recorded it twice. The 1961 account has already been reissued by Eloquence as part of the conductor’s complete stereo recordings of Bizet (480 0457). Dating from March 1953, the earlier mono version is scarcely less vivid, thanks to both the Decca engineering team (led by Peter Andry) and Ansermet’s acute ear for instrumental balance. Its original companion on disc was the rarely heard Patrie Overture, recorded just 18 months later and originally issued in mono; with this newly remastered release the pioneering efforts of Decca’s stereo team can be enjoyed.
‘I like the subdued tone Ansermet secures at the start of the gay finale; and… the playing is first class.’ Gramophone (Haydn)
‘There are few more delightful symphonies in the repertoire… and there are few, if any, more felicitous disc performances of it than this one… The playing throughout is exceptionally crisp … Ansermet gives the end sections [of ‘Patrie’] the grand treatment, while bringin contrasting intimacy to the lyrical middle part.’ High Fidelity (Bizet)
FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN
Symphony No. 101 in D major, H.I ‘The Clock’*
GEORGES BIZET
Patrie – Ouverture dramatique, Op. 19
Symphony in C major*
L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Ernest Ansermet
*FIRST CD RELEASE ON DECCA
Fast Delivery and professional packaging
Our long-standing relationships with UPS FedEx DHL and other international carriers gives us the ability to provide various shipping options. Our warehouse personnel is highly-skilled and will package your items according to our precise and exact specifications. Prior to shipping, your goods will be thoroughly examined and secured. We ship to hundreds of thousands of customers each day in different countries. This shows our commitment to becoming the biggest retailer online in the world. Warehouses and distribution centers can be found in Europe and the USA.
Note: Orders that contain more than one item will be assigned a separate processing period for each item.
Prior to shipment, we will examine thoroughly the items you've purchased. The majority of orders are shipped within 48 hours. The delivery time will be between 3-7 days.
Returns
We are not able to manage the stock in our warehouse and factory. The actual inventory may fluctuate at any time. It's possible that the stock may run out after the order has been made.
Our policy is valid for 30 days. If 30 days have gone by since your purchase and we are unable to offer an exchange or refund.
The item cannot be used and in its original condition. The item must be returned in its original packaging.
Related products
