Recorded in St John’s Church West Norwood, London in March 2022, Florilegium release their 31st Channel Classics album: Haydn Symphonies Nos. 6, 7 and 8. This album is exclusively available at NativeDSD in Stereo and 5 Channel Surround Sound DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64 and DXD plus Stereo DSD 512. It is not available on SACD.

This recording involves 18 members of Florilegium, the exact same number Haydn had at his disposal when he composed these symphonies shortly after arriving at Esterhazy in 1761. Haydn’s first symphonies for his new employer, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, form a group of three entitled Morning, Noon and Night. Perhaps these were a result of the Prince’s suggestion that Haydn write something programmatic along the lines of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. As symphonies for a small chamber orchestra, all three exploit the solo skills of each of Florilegium’s principals, from flute to double bass, not to mention heroic horns as well as spectacular violin and cello solos, each vividly characterized in an almost operatic way.

Florilegium is one of Britain’s most outstanding period instrument groups specializing in music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of their recordings have garnered international awards over the years, with their previous Haydn London Symphonies recording being hailed as “first rate” by BBC Music Magazine.

Florilegium