2009 marked Haydn´s anniversary year as well as Nikolaus Harnoncourt´s 80th birthday. For this occasion the maestro chose Il mondo della luna, a delicious mixture of satire, comedy and science fiction based on a popular comedy by Carlo Goldoni. Haydn´s music unleashes a display of fireworks performed with irresistible energy by Harnoncourt and his ensemble. Renowned actor and director Tobias Moretti relates the story as a magical fairy tale infused with slapstick and fantasy costumes. “This piece is extreme, completely insane and very funny. Wherever you puncture the surface of Haydn, you come upon sheer madness.” Nikolaus Harnocourt