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
[log in to unmask]