'My language is understood by the whole world' - these words by Joseph Haydn prove the claim by the great master of Viennese Classicism to build bridges with his music and to integrate in his art prevailing influences of the folkloristic music of the time, which made him into the precursor of a long tradition extending to Smetana, Dvorák and Bartók.

Proceeding from Haydn's oeuvre and the musical traditions of Hungarian and Slovakian Roma, this recording by the versatile Austrian pianist Paul Gulda offers an impression of what Haydn may have heard in Esterháza around 1770 and what influenced his composition permanently. In congenial co-operation with Robo Gaspar Banda, the musician of excellence easily manages to demonstrate the similarity of originally very different musical styles and to make their mutual enrichment palpable.

Along with works by Haydn that were evidently influenced by Roma musicians, traditional melodies and songs of Hungarian gypsy music of the time are here also presented, in an authentic manner.

Contents:
1. Rondo all' Ongarese (Joseph Haydn)
2. Gelem, gelem lungone dromeja (Traditional)
3. Rondo Banda Version (Joseph Haydn)  
4. Rondo Original Version (Joseph Haydn)  
5. Moderato-Allegro (Traditional)
6. Moderato-Allegro Banda Version (Traditional/Rigler)
7. Allegro moderato (Joseph Haydn)
8. Mikor a penze elfogyott (Janos Bihari)
9. Adagio (Joseph Haydn)
10. Romano Jilo (Traditional)
11. Galantai Tancok (Anonymous)
12. Metla Khel (Traditional)
13. Rondo. Presto (Joseph Haydn)
14. Ciganski Plac (Traditional)
15. Finale. Medley (Traditional/Joseph Haydn)
16. Presto (Joseph Haydn)  
17. Khana gelom Bistricu (Traditional)