Haydn’s lieder is sadly often relegated to the opening ‘warm-up’ sections of recitals, or, even worse, totally neglected. This is a pity, for as collectors of Brilliant Classics cycle of all his Scottish Songs will know, there is much wit, warm humour and not a little drama to found in these gems. The songs on this CD span 1781 –95, and the first two sets were written for the Viennese socialite Franz Sales von Greiner, who regularly advised Haydn on the choice of texts.
The third set is probably the best known works in this programme. The ‘English Canzonettas’ were written for Haydn’s friend Lady Anne Hunter, the widow of eminent surgeon Sir John Hunter. Anne provided the texts for the first group, and one for the second. Haydn turned to Metastasio for the remainder.
The ‘Pastoral Song’ became a firm favourite with the Victorians, and was a parlour song ‘hit’.
These Philips recording have long been unavailable: here they make a welcome return to the catalogue
‘Those who love them [Haydn’s songs], and love Elly Ameling, will not be disappointed in this generous recital…Ameling’s skill lies in her precise judgement of their scale…Jorg Demus’s accompanying is half the fun: he makes the keys speak as clearly and sweetly as any fortepiano…’ Gramophone
Full sung texts and booklet notes
A must for lovers of this popular and much-loved singer
“Good to be reminded in this anniversary year of Elly Ameling's irresistibly wide-eyed yet sophisticated way with Haydn's English, Italian and German songs. Jörg Demus is master-accompanist.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2009 ****
