Hamelin plays Haydn

[opus10no2]

https://www.hyperion-records.co.uk/details/67554.asp

Very interesting to hear this monster pianist, capable of playing the most intensely demanding music out there, playing perhaps the simplest and most technically easy pieces he has ever recorded.

But still, he lets his girth be known :

'nonchalant despatch of semiquavers at the highest velocity'

What do you think?

[Mozartian]

I'll definitely be getting this set- nice to see Hamelin playing music simply for the music's sake, and not mostly because it's impossible or obscure (though yes, great in many cases, don't kill me monkey!).

[opus10no2]

Actually, Hamelin has a taste, generally, for more complex music, and only of late has he developed a true appreciation for the simpler things, so he has always played music for music's sake, and a cynic would actually denounce this disc as the opposite - an attempt to play music that he doesn't like as much, to try and prove something.

[rc]

I caught some of it on the radio the other day, it sounded great.  Very clear, he took the presto at a quicker pace than I'm familiar with, but didn't hurt the music at all.  I'm going to have to grab this set!  I've liked everything I've heard of Hamelin so far (admittedly not very much, but I'm impressed)

don't kill me monkey!).

 ... strange

[jre58591]

don't kill me monkey!

... strange

this was directed at me, who is probably one of the biggest advocates of obscure music on this forum.

and btw, comme, stop trying to talk smart. it onl;y gets more annoying as time passes.

[opus10no2]

and btw, comme, stop trying to talk smart. it onl;y gets more annoying as time passes.

Who's trying now?

[tompilk]

i bought this the day it came out. It is a truly excellent set and recommend it...
I have never been a fan of Haydn, but when I heard these it somehow seemed to make more sense. Don't ask me why...
Tom

[mephisto]

this was directed at me, who is probably one of the biggest advocates of obscure music on this forum.

and btw, comme, stop trying to talk smart. it onl;y gets more annoying as time passes.

Jre, stop trying to make every topic about how much you hate opus10no2. This is a serious forum.

Haydn's Sonatas aren't really that much played.

[jre58591]

Jre, stop trying to make every topic about how much you have opus10no2. This is a serious forum.

huh? i dont understand.

[mephisto]

Sorry, I ment "hate" not have.

[iumonito]

this was directed at me, who is probably one of the biggest advocates of obscure music on this forum.

and btw, comme, stop trying to talk smart. it onl;y gets more annoying as time passes.

This calls from some Ades. 

Not obscure, just under played.

[gruffalo]

.

[brewtality]

Actually, Hamelin has a taste, generally, for more complex music, and only of late has he developed a true appreciation for the simpler things, so he has always played music for music's sake, and a cynic would actually denounce this disc as the opposite - an attempt to play music that he doesn't like as much, to try and prove something.

I have the feeling that he plays more standard rep nowadays to shed the reputation he has acquired. But I don't think it follows that he doesn't like this repetoire as much. That said, I don't think I'll be buying this one, or even downloading it. Just not interested.

[opus10no2]

Well, most Haydn interpreters are older, and have admittedly weak technical facility, it is quite amazing hearing Hamelin playing this stuff because his extra technique brings an amazing clarity and evenness to passages.

[brewtality]

Well, most Haydn interpreters are older, and have admittedly weak technical facility, it is quite amazing hearing Hamelin playing this stuff because his extra technique brings an amazing clarity and evenness to passages.

true. But I've heard his great fingerwork many times before. I don't find this rep particularly stimulating.

[opus10no2]

True, I only listen to Haydn on occasion, but I really do think he's as good as Mozart.

As someone once said, Mozart and Haydn got a hard-on for C Major.

[mephisto]

I think Haydn was a much beter composer than Mozart. At least for the piano.

[rc]

I explored the Haydn sonatas as a stepping stone toward Beethoven's, somewhere along the way I got to like them for their own merits, now I've been listening to his symphonies a lot and plan on getting ahold of the quartets.  The music just grew on me.

I'm glad when virtuoso musicians don't hold themselves above easier music, it shows they're just as much musician as virtuoso.  I'm reminded of Gould recording the inventions, little preludes and other 'student' rep.

I haven't done a survey, but I don't think Haydn and Mozart are really that C heavy.  There's a good balance.

[frederic chopin]

Refreshing interpretation of these well known Haydn sonatas!