Vienna Phil kicks off Haydn year

The famous Vienna Philharmonic's New Year's concert will include Haydn's "Farewell" Symphony (at least the last movement), apparently the first Haydn work ever to make it on the famous concert's program. Seems odd to me that it took so long, but it works as this year is the 200th anniversary of the composer's death, and Austria will be milking it all year long. But I am not sure I get appointing the concert to Daniel Barenboim. The serious and often controversial conductor just doesn't seem a great fit for the lighter and more superficial affair. But he is a heck of a musician and the orchestra will probably sound great.

Here's a happy New Year to all of you. I look forward to a fun-filled second half of the classical season in Pittsburgh and beyond.