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Haydn 200: A Preview

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) one of the most prodigious and influential composers in the history of classical music. His innovative, life-enhancing works remains as fresh today as it did in the 18th century while his influence on the structual and stylistic development of the music of later generations is incalculable.

All around the world there will be a wide variety of events to mark the anniversary including commemorative concerts, television and radio broadcasts and of course, CD and DVD recordings. Already, things have got under way in fine style with the reissue of Decca's classic set of the complete symphonies conducted by Antal Dorati and its outstanding companion set of all the complete string quartets played by the Aeolians is to follow soon.

There will be plenty of new recordings as well, including Claudio Abbado's new cycle of the 12 'London' Symphonies and the Emerson Quartet's new album of The Seven Last Words. And DVD collectors are already served for Haydn Year with the 2009 New Year's Day Concert from Vienna, where Daniel Barenboim led the Vienna Philharmonic in a special performance of the finale of the 'Farewell' Symphony.

Throughout the year, Soundings will add reviews devoted to Haydn recordings and, where possible, will bring you up to date with forthcoming events as they unfold.

Robert Kenchington

Picture: Haydn as potrayed by the artist Thomas Hardy in 1792 (Royal College of Music, London)