Symphonie Nr. 103 Es-Dur, Hob. I/103 "Mit Dem Paukenwirbel" (= Drum Roll = Roulement De Timbales). Symphonie Nr. 104 D-Dur, Hob. I/104 "London"

Joseph Haydn composed his final symphonies, the 'Drumroll' (No. 103) and the 'London' (No. 104), during the mid-1790s while under contract for impresario Johann Peter Salomon. These works represent the pinnacle of the classical symphonic form, characterized by their sophisticated harmonic development and the integration of folk-like melodies that resonated with the London audiences of the era. The 'Drumroll' is particularly notable for its tension-building opening, while the 'London' symphony stands as a masterful synthesis of Haydn's symphonic journey.

This specific recording features the Concertgebouworkest under the baton of Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a conductor celebrated for his rigorous commitment to period-informed performance practices. Released in 1988 by Seoul Records under catalog number STCR-079, this pressing reflects the growing global reach of Western classical music labels during the late 1980s. Harnoncourt’s interpretation is widely regarded for its transparency, rhythmic vitality, and departure from the overly romanticized readings that dominated the mid-20th century, effectively re-introducing listeners to the biting clarity of Haydn's original scoring.