An Imaginary Orchestral Journey | London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Simon Rattle [SACD]

Sir Simon Rattle pays homage to a composer he holds close to his heart with An Imaginary Orchestral Journey through the music of Joseph Haydn. Rattle trawls through the great composer’s impressive catalogue, piecing together excerpts from symphonies, oratorios and operas spanning a 40-year period in what the director describes as ‘a kind of greatest hits’ format.

‘The idea is to make a musical journey through all that is quirky and extraordinary, humorous and profound in Haydn,’ the LSO’s Music Director explains. Sir Simon’s focus is on Haydn as innovator, showcasing his most forward-looking and outlandish works in 50 minutes of uninterrupted performance.

What results from Sir Simon’s pasticcio is a clear image of the composer he sees to best represent the ideals of the
Enlightenment, his selection meticulously arranged to best demonstrate Haydn’s intelligence, wit and thoughtfulness.

‘Performed with verve and attention to detail.’ – The Financial Times

‘Rattle and the LSO bring wit and humour to Haydn’s masterpiece.’ – The Guardian

‘Haydn would have surely approved of Simon Rattle’s repackaging of the symphonies … I left grinning like an idiot.’ – The Spectator

‘An unbroken parade of genius Haydn … Rattle’s championing of one of the greatest, most-versatile, innovative and inexhaustible of composers is to be welcomed.’ – Classical Source