Joseph Haydn

The Profile

Austrian composer (1732–1809), leading figure of the Classical era; long-time court musician for the Esterházy family (1761–1790).

The reviewed EMI product is a 2-CD collection of late Haydn Masses and one earlier Missa brevis, recorded by Neville Marriner with soloists including Barbara Hendricks and a notable choir (referred to as the Leipzig Radio choir), recorded in the Lukaskirche in Dresden; the recordings were remastered in different years. The review highlights choir and soloists while noting occasional excessive reverberation affecting the orchestra's bass line.

A positive, detailed review of an EMI 2-CD collection of Haydn Masses conducted by Neville Marriner. The reviewer highlights the Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo, the Heiligmesse, the Nelson Mass and the Theresienmesse. Choir and soloists receive praise; the orchestra is sometimes softened by reverberation. Recommended starting point: the Missa brevis with Barbara Hendricks in the Benedictus.