Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers: Haydn: Sym...
Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers: Haydn: Symphony No. 39, Symphony No. 87, Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante
ByChristophers has allowed no dust to settle on him since coming to the H&H Society, releasing a flurry of recordings over the past decade. Within these releases are some series, one of which is the orchestra's Mozart and Haydn series of which the present Haydn: Symphony No. 39, Symphony No. 87, MozartSinfonia Concertante is the second volume following 2018's Haydn: Symphony No. 26, Symphony No. 86, MozartViolin Concerto No. 3 (Coro). Whether this series is heading toward some measured discographic completion remains to be seen and, I suppose, is beside the point.
The programming of these discs highlights the ensemble together on the symphonies and then Nosky specifically, and violist Max Mandel, on the Sinfonia Concertante, providing a tidy thematic thread. Immediately with release of the present disc it is apparent that it mirrors the first volume in the series with its outstanding ambiance and sonics. The performances on these two releases may be described as "clinically-precise," but this description need not indicate a sterile and lifeless performances, rather spirit-infused music soften and warmed by the performance experience. This program was recorded live at Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts on 26 & 28 January 2018, whose chamber provides a grand acoustic space for performance.
The choice of repertoire is interesting in that it involves a symphony from the composer's Sturm und Drang period (Symphony No. 49) and the last of what have become known as his "Paris" symphonies (Symphony No. 87). The two pieces offer great contrast between color and temperament, the former being more dramatic and the latter lyrical. Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante falls chronologically outside the neighborhood of the composer's violin concertos, standing alone. Nosky and Mandel share a dense empathy that adds a certain magic to their performance. Taken as a whole, this release is an able follow up to the first volume and stands as a potent affirmative to the question, "Do we really need recordings of Haydn Symphonies or Mozart violin pieces?"
Track Listing
Haydn Symphony No. 49 in F minor Hob.1/49 La Passione; Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E flat major for viola, K364; Haydn Symphony No. 87 in A major Hob.1/87.
Personnel
Handel and Haydn Society, Harry Christophers, Director; Aisslinn Nosky: violin; Max Mandel: viola.
Album information
Title: Haydn: Symphony No. 39, Symphony No. 87, Mozart – Sinfonia Concertante | Year Released: 2018 | Record Label: Coro Records
< Previous
Halloween Mischief, Spirits and Sweet...
Next >
Rogue Star