Joseph Haydn – Eight Notturni for the King of Naples

Originally, the lira organizzata (a now obsolete hurdy-gurdy which somehow combined the sounds of a recorder and a pipe organ) was the instrument on which the solo parts of these charming pieces were meant to be played. Mr. Robbins Landon, reviewer in this album’s booklet, states that since no example of the instrument has survived, reconstruction of the authentic lira is a matter of speculation. This may explain why the ensemble chose to have it represented by a combination of a flute and a hobo. In fact, Haydn himself often had them performed in that setting.

A hobo and a flute - perhaps a choice preferred by Haydn himself, and yet I think it’s a pity. As the deLirium album proves, reasonably successful attempts have been made to restore the lira. Or at least, one gets the idea when hearing the reconstructed instrument and its sympathetic, appealing sound. For solo samples, google “lira organizzatta”; as of the time of writing, the first link I found showed a site with beautiful photos and mp3 samples of the instrument.

That said, I revert to my first sentence – the little concerts are charming enough without the hurdy-gurdy. Haydn's a devilishly good and versatile composer, as I have come to discover rather late. Unfortunately, I tended to neglect this solid craftsman before, hm.
CD “deLirium” has two notturni, this album’s got eight.

performing ensemble: Mozzafiato & L’Archibudelli (what ringing names!)