We certainly get protective concerning our preference for Haydn or
Mozart. I think I've previously provided my opinion to the list; nobody
agreed with it, so I'll state it again.
I prefer Mozart in every category except for two: symphonies and solo
keyboard music. Concerning the symphonies, I rate them "even." I do
prefer Haydn's solo music, at least as it is played by Brendel.
Personally, I don't see how anyone could like one of these composers and
not the other. I likely have more Mozart recordings, but I still have
over 200 Haydn discs. Both composers represent the pinnacle of the
Classical era.
I'll also put in a plug for Haydn's relatively neglected operas. I have
Dorati's versions on Philips and one opera conducted by Hogwood.
If you haven't heard them, check them out.
Don Satz
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