Haydn
Haydn
Symphonies 88-92
(avg)
Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
Conductor: Simon Rattle
Label: EMI Classics
CD No: 394 2372
Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic live up to high
expectations with these performances, full of character and formal
clarity. What I didn't expect was the remarkable sense of wit
and intimacy as the cut-down orchestra adopts the feel of a string
quartet.
Haydn's Symphony No 88 is to me an astounding work, full of
quirky twists and stark 5ths in the third movement. My only gripe
is that the trumpets sound slightly late in the largo. Symphony No
89 is a more balanced affair. Rattle achieves a rhythmically
playful menuet, an andante full of woodwind textures, and ends with
a sense of witty simplicity.
Flute and cello solos are combined with shimmering touches of
strings in the andante to No 90, but the finale with its mocking
use of protracted silences and false endings is the highlight of
the work. Applause in these gaps is truly comical, something which
the alternative version (included) sadly lacks.
The second CD demonstrates variety of sound worlds; from the
intimate Symphony No 91, full of refined intelligent feel of a
string quartet, to the 'Oxford' Symphony (No 92) with its
sumptuous adagio through to a pacey finale full of string
pyrotechnics. The Sinfonia Concertante is all about balance.
Lacking the tongue-in-cheek antics of some of these other works,
the Berlin Philharmonic soloists produce a very beautiful ensemble
piece where nothing is overplayed.
I found these performances to be truly outstanding as Rattle gives
each work different feel, colour and character; from intimacy to
outlandish crudeness, the effect is balanced and full of wonderful
detail. Nick Wright
This review was submitted by a Muso reader and the opinions
expressed reflect solely the opinions of the writer, not those of
Muso magazine or its publisher. Muso cannot guarantee the accuracy
of any information provided
I'm glad somebody else picked up on those trumpets coming in late. I thought it was just me. Would have given this four stars if not for that minor annoyance.
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I'm glad somebody else picked up on those trumpets coming in late. I thought it was just me. Would have given this four stars if not for that minor annoyance.