Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Ton Koopman, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra :: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 44, 45 & 49

The Haydn Symphonic Workshop

J. De Sapio | Washington, DC | 03/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It would be hard to overemphasize the historical importance of the group of symphonies Haydn wrote in the early 1770's. Often associated with the stylistic label STURM UND DRANG (storm and stress), these pieces represent a leap out of the morass of rococo, often foreshadowing Beethoven and other later music. They frequently exploit minor keys (as do the three symphonies presented here) and highly expressive melodic content, feature contrapuntal along with homophonic writing, use a richer harmonic palette and broader architectural arches than in earlier Haydn, and frequently experiment with the symphonic formal layout. While I find period instruments indispensable for baroque music, I can take them or leave them when it comes to Haydn and Mozart. As it turns out, Ton Koopman and the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, using what would seem to be about twelve players, are just perfect for this middle-period Haydn. They turn out clean, transparent textures and anxious, urgent tempos in the outer movements, while appreciating the heart-stopping emotional expression in the adagios. I especially admire the delicately nuanced playing from the violins throughout. Other complete recordings of the STRUM UND DRANG symphonies on period instruments exist, but at budget price this CD is a contender."

A note on "The Farewell"

Aceto | Meilhan Sur Garonne | 02/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I largely agree with Mr. De Sapio's review, so let me add a couple of points. First, #45 was performed for the great patron Esterhazy at his summer digs. He packed a lunch and the whole orchestra (not so large as modern ones). They were staying away longer than expected, and the boys wanted to get back to town. Haydn told them to pick up and leave as each played his last bit. Esterhazy got the hint and they all went home the next day, hence the "Farewelll". For the musically inept like me, such stories increase the enjoyment of listening.



This is a fine period piece recording at a great price. But if you are as well healed as Esterhazy and have as much time to kill, you should also buy the Nimbus series of the Haydn Symphonies. Volume III has these three and a whopping dozen more for only five times the price of this Erato. And you can compare the very fine version Fischer gives you, but using modern instruments."