Haydn: the "London" Symphonies, Nos. 93-104; plus Symphonies Nos. 88, 91, and 91.(Sound Recording Review)

Haydn: The "London" Symphonies, Nos. 93-104; plus Symphonies Nos. 88, 91, and 91. Eugene Jochum, London Philharmonic Orchestra; Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. DG 474 364-2 (5-disc set).

In 1973 with a pared-down London Philharmonic Orchestra maestro Eugene Jochum recorded for DG Haydn's last twelve symphonies, the so-called "London" symphonies, and they quickly went to the head of the class. The intervening years have not dimmed their luster, and they remain as impressive today as when they were made. In addition this new boxed set of five discs includes three bonus symphonies recorded a decade earlier, Nos. 88 and 91 with Bavarian Radio Symphony, and No. 98 again with the Berlin Philharmonic.

When I wrote about the first appearance of these "London" Symphonies on CD some ten years ago, I said that Jochum produced lithe, lively tempos and spirited rhythms, the reduced forces of the LPO playing eloquently, the whole affair complemented by clean, lucid, well-balanced sound. The same can be said today. These recordings remain among the most natural DG has ever made, with timpani and mid-bass definition more firm than ever. The outstanding sonics are obvious throughout the first four discs in the set, but they are in particular evidence in No. 100, the "Military" Symphony, with ...