Haydn 2032 Vol . 14 The Imperial

The 14th volume of the Haydn2032 edition is titled L'Imperiale, referring to the nickname given to Symphony No. 53 in the 19th century. Arguably the most famous symphony during Haydn's lifetime, it premiered at the Eszterháza Palace theater in 1778. Following its publication in London around 1781, its melodic Andante was arranged for various instruments more than thirty times between 1783 and 1820. The work contributed significantly to Haydn's success and paved his way to England. Symphony No. 54, whose entertaining, theatrical style perfectly suits the atmosphere of the legendary court festivities at Eszterháza around 1775, completes this program along with Symphony No. 33, composed around 1761, one of his first festive works featuring trumpets. In his introductory text, Giovanni Antonini revels in the "capricious," whimsical character of certain passages in the final movement of Symphony No. 53. At the end of the album, Antonini also offers an alternative finale for the work.