Johann Michael Haydn.(BRIEFLY NOTED)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)

Johann Michael Haydn. Regina Coeli; Symphony in G Minor; Symphony in E-Flat Major; Missa Sancti Francisci Seraphici. Zurcher Sangerknaben; Zurcher Kammerorchester / Howard Griffiths. Novalis 150 178-2, 2005.

As interest continues to grow in the work of Joseph Haydn's younger brother, and as new recordings of his compositions continue to emerge, it becomes increasingly clear what a brilliant composer he was. In fact, it seems likely that if he had been born with a different last name, he could have become almost as much of a household name as his older brother is today instead of being known--to the extent that he is known at all--as "that other Haydn." The more one becomes acquainted with his work, the harder it becomes to know whether one should reserve the greater praise for his sacred or his secular compositions. The present disc does listeners the service of offering two examples of each, and the even greater service of ...