Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Haydn's Symphonies Nos. 82-7 are seminal works in Haydn's output and mark a new level of compositional attainment, launching the important cycle of mature Haydn symphonies written for an international audience. Three chapters of the book deal with the reception of Haydn's symphonies in Paris, documenting the extent to which they dominated the repertoire of important public concert series. The aesthetic basis of Haydn's reception in Paris in the 1780s is considered in discussions of the notions of 'popular' and 'learned' taste and such notions inform the commentaries on the symphonies themselves. Thus as well as discussing technical features of Symphonies Nos. 82-7, broader concerns include the relationship between orchestral splendour and eighteenth-century notions of beauty; the relationship between genius, originality and convention; irony and humour; and the updating of popular orchestral taste.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Haydns music at the Concert spirituel
• 3 Popular taste
• 4 Learned taste
• 5 Splendour and beauty: Symphonies Nos. 82 and 86
• 6 Convention and originality: Symphony No. 85
• 7 Irony and humour: Symphony No. 83
• 8 The refinement of popular taste: Symphonies Nos. 84 and 87

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

This first-rate handbook provides much useful information in a format that is at the same time readily accessible to the novice and interesting to readers with more specialized interests. Particularly noteworthy is Harrison's detailed examination of the role that Haydn's symphonies played in the Parisian "Concerts spirituel" of the 1780s. This discussion graphically illustrates the overwhelming popularity of Haydn's music in the late 18th century, popularity that was completely superseded by the subsequent admiration afforded the music of Mozart. Harrison also presents informed accounts of 18th-century concepts of learned and popular taste, and a useful adumbration of that most difficult of Enlightenment formulations, the concept of genius. The author provides a clear narrative technical analysis of each of the six symphonies (nos.82-7) along with musical examples and charts. Highly recommended for all music collections. W. E. Grim; Worcester State College