Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Georg Tintner, Nova Scotia Symphony :: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 103 'Drum Roll' and 104 'London'

Fine Performances of Late Haydn Symphonies,

Patrick A Daley | Fredericton, New Brunswick | 12/23/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In the concert hall, these performances would merit a good deal of applause. Come to think of it, they did get the applause and one can hear it, for these are live performances, as are most of the recordings in Tintner Memorial Editions. The Nova Scotia Symphony played these Haydn symphonies with style and considerable energy. Tintner brought out the contrasts betweens the louder and more serious passages (though not too serious) and the slower and more lyrical passages. Haydn was a showman and in London had opportunity to play to the crowd, and Tintner saw not only the musical structures but also the humour in the music.



The slow movements are particularly well done. The second movement of No. 103, Andante piu tosto Allegretto, is beautifully and sensitively played, and unusually includes some charming violin solos. The second movement Andante of No. 104 is equally well performed. As well, Symphony Nova Scotia played the finales of both with great vigour.



However, there is some formidable competition. The old Vanguard recordings by Mogens Woeldike are very fine and well recorded. He, too, brought out the contrast between the serious and lyrical passages, but sometimes he is too heavy and does not bring out the humour.



Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music bring a lightness of touch which is most ingratiating. These are historically informed recordings, well-recorded, and of course, very well played. Nevertheless, though different, neither the performances by Wldike nor Hogwood seem, on the whole, obviously superior to those by Tintner and Symphony Nova Scotia.



Then there is Dorati. As good as the others are, Dorati and the Philharmonia Hungarica on London exhibit a panache with these symphonies that surpasses all. As well, there is a grand and graceful performance of Symphony No. 104 on Chesky with Josef Krips and the Royal Philharmonic. Interesting though their performances are, I don't think the performance by Tintner and Symphony Nova Scotia are quite on the same level, but they are still very good.

"