Giovanni Antonini & Kammerorchester Basel - Haydn 2032, Vol. 11: Au goût parisien - The Observer

In returning to the intrinsic pleasures of physical objects, will we ever again covet the CD as miniature treasury? The Italian conductor Giovanni Antonini is working hard to make us. Now on Volume 11, Au goût parisien, of the Haydn2032 series (Alpha Classics) – shared between Il Giardino Armonico and the Basel Chamber Orchestra – he is recording all Haydn’s 107 symphonies in time for the composer’s 300th anniversary. This latest volume, with the Basel players sizzling and exuberant, includes two of the “Paris” symphonies, Nos 82 in C, “The Bear” – characterised by explosive “bagpipe” drones in the finale – and No 87 in A, as well as No 24 in D and No 2 in C. This epic project will form a vital legacy: brilliant performances, historically informed. The handsome and informative 50-page booklet provides a list of the make and date of all the instruments played. In collaboration with the Magnum agency, each themed volume features a different photographer. You can catch up with a newly available box set of Volumes 1 to 10. Haydn brings joy and variety as no other.