Haydn 2032, Vol. 20: For English Gentlemen

This twentieth volume of the complete Haydn symphonies, conducted by Giovanni Antonini, highlights the popularity of Haydn's music in England during the 1790s. Although Haydn was unable to travel to London himself, he sent his music there instead, as no fewer than eleven of his symphonies were performed during the twelve evenings of the first season of the Grand Concert in 1782 - the year of the death of Johann Christian Bach, the youngest son of Johann Sebastian, who directed this series of concerts in London.

This volume pays tribute to him, as alongside Haydn's Symphonies nos. 76, 77 and 78, the Kammerorchester Basel and Giovanni Antonini have recorded J.C. Bach's Symphony in G minor, op.6 no.6, published in 1769. Also worth reading in the album booklet is Antonini's delightful analysis of Haydn's 'humore inglese' in his symphonies!