The Symphony No.100 in G is nicknamed the “Military” Symphony. We often refer to the Haydnesque “humour”, however there is more to these symphonies than perhaps can be presumed at first listening. Far from the Viennese court audiences, London suited the bourgeois public. I can well remember introducing my children to a number of Haydn’s latter symphonies and none of the pieces elicited the oft heard “oh no, not more classical music”! Interestingly the listening public in Vienna were used to quite a different manner or theme in music to that which Haydn came across in London. I feel that any one of these latter symphonies will appeal to the inexperienced listener wishing to become familiar with this genre of “classical music”. It was on these occasions that he wrote his last twelve symphonies (Nos 93-104) between 17. Haydn Symphonies Nos 100 “Military” and 104 “London”Īlthough Joseph Haydn is rightly thought of as a Viennese composer, he spent several lengthy spells in London at the invitation of violinist, Salomon. Jan Ladislav Dussek-Piano Concertos-Howard Shelley (piano), Ulster Orchestra My recommended performance is the utterly reliable recording by Hyperion with Howard Shelley playing and conducting the Ulster Orchestra. Mozart was a true champion of the cadenza and Dussek felt no need for it and dispensed with it, perhaps influencing other composers to follow suit. Unlike all of his subsequent efforts in this genre, this concerto is cast in just two movements. True, however these composers are later than Dussek so, fascinating to note that his music is really well ahead of its time! Born in Bohemia a decade after the death of J S Bach, he travelled, playing concerts and taught across Europe at the same time as composing.ĭussek’s Piano Concerto in G major is an early work composed at a similar time to Mozart’s early Piano Concertos. Listening to this composer and notably the three concertos from my recommended Hyperion CD with Howard Shelley at the piano the listener might be forgiven for thinking that this music resembles that of other notable composers.

I am really enjoying a tour of discovery thanks to Hyperion, amongst which is my current recommendation from the Czech composer Dussek, 1760-1812. I am sure that I am not alone in steering myself towards favourite Piano Concertos for comfortable listening sometimes overlooking unfamiliar pieces! Such classics among Piano Concertos including compositions by Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Grieg, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky seem to be oft played.

Jan Ladislav Dussek – Piano Concerto in G major, Op 1 No 3 with Howard Shelley and the Ulster Orchestra

Jermyn piano history