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The fourteenth volume of the Haydn2032 edition is entitled L'Imperiale, after the nickname given to Symphony no.53 in the nineteenth century. This was perhaps Haydn's most famous symphony during his lifetime. Premiered in the theatre at Eszterháza Palace in 1778, it was published in London around 1781, and it's melodious Andante was arranged more than thirty times for various instruments between 1783 and 1820. It made a decisive contribution to Haydn's success, opening the way for him to perform in England. Symphony no.54, whose entertaining, theatrical style is a perfectly match for the atmosphere of the legendary court festivities given at Eszterháza around 1775, completes this programme along with no.33, one of his first festive works with trumpets, composed c.1761. In his introductory text, Giovanni Antonini revels in the 'capricious', whimsical character of certain passages in the last movement of Symphony No. 53; he also offers an alternative finale of the work at the end of the album. Album Tracks 1. Symphony No. 53 in D Major, Hob.I 53 'L'Impériale'~I. Largo Maestoso - Vivace 2. Symphony No. 53 in D Major, Hob.I 53 'L'Impériale'~II. Andante 3. Symphony No. 53 in D Major, Hob.I 53 'L'Impériale'~III. Menuet. Allegretto - Trio 4. Symphony No. 53 in D Major, Hob.I 53 'L'Impériale'~IV. Finale Capriccio. Moderato 5. Symphony No. 54 in G Major, Hob.I 54~I. Adagio Maestoso - Presto 6. Symphony No. 54 in G Major, Hob.I 54~II. Adagio Assai 7. Symphony No. 54 in G Major, Hob.I 54~III. Menuet. Allegretto - Trio 8. Symphony No. 54 in G Major, Hob.I 54~IV. Finale. Presto 9. Symphony No. 33 in C Major, Hob.I 33~I. Vivace 10. Symphony No. 33 in C Major, Hob.I 33~II. Andante 11. Symphony No. 33 in C Major, Hob.I 33~III. Menuet - Trio 12. Symphony No. 33 in C Major, Hob.I 33~IV. Finale. Allegro 13. Sinfonia in D Major Hob.IA 7~Presto
