In the 1960s, performances of Classical-era symphonies with
George Szell and the
Cleveland Orchestra were surprisingly close to the ideals of authentic period performance practice, as these recordings of the first six of Haydn's London Symphonies demonstrate. The tone is lean and light, but with plenty of power and weight when necessary, and the tempos are propulsive in quick movements, poised in slow movements, and irresistible in dance movements. Naturally, the modern instruments' colors are different from period instrument colors; the woodwinds brighter, the brass more brilliant, and the strings more rounded, but the effect is remarkably similar to that of later period instruments orchestras.
Szell's intellectual and emotional lucidity, and the
Cleveland Orchestra's virtuoso playing and enthusiastic performances create practically perfect Haydn, a combination of wit, tenderness, strength, and genius in one beautifully balanced package. These performances, from the hilarious "Surprise" Symphony to the forceful C minor Symphony, to the rambunctious B flat major Symphony, are bound to delight. Columbia's stereo sound was superlative for its time -- clean, clear, and vivid -- and Sony's digital remastering retains these qualities.