Exploring The Haydn Symphonies -- 6,7,8
This CD is part of a collection of the complete symphonies of Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) on the budget-priced Naxos label. The performers are the Northern Chamber Orchestra directed by Nicholas Ward. The symphonies on this CD are early works of Haydn, written in 1761 when the composer was 29. They are programmatic in character and are called "morning" "noon" and "evening". They were written and are best heard as part of a single series.
The playing on this disk is done with spirit and elan, and the CD has received high critical recognition including the Penguin Roseate rating.
These works are eminently worth hearing in their own right. Furthermore, the listener will learn how symphonic form developed during the classical period by listening to these symphonies and comparing them to some of Haydn's later works, such as some of his "London" symphonies. The three symphonies on this CD are composed in a "concertante" style. Each work features extensive passages of solo performance juxtaposed against the small chamber orchestra. The solo instruments include, flute, string bass, violin, and cello. In some movements, two solo violins and a cello combine as an ensemble to play against the larger orchestra. Thus, these early Haydn symphonies hark back to Vivaldi's concertos, such as "The Four Seasons" as well as forward to the fully-developed classical symphony.
The symphony no. 6 in D major, "Morning" opens with a slow, rising theme symbolizing daybreak. The opening movement features solos for flute alternating with orchestral passages and passages for oboe and horn at the conclusion. The second movement, in which a moderately paced section is sandwiched between slower sections, involves solos for the violin and the cello, particularly in the middle section. The combination of solo violins and cellos is repeated in the middle movement of each of these works. The minuet theme in the third movement again features the flute with a delightful solo for the bassoon over low strings in the trio. In the finale, the flute again predominates.
The symphony no. 7. "Noon" also opens slowly with several loud chords followed each time by softer, running passages. The initial movement breaks into an allegro with solo passages for violins. The slow movement opens in the minor in a passage for pulsing strings. In the midst of the movement, the major key returns. There are eloquent, recitif, passages for the violin soloist in both sections of the movement and passages for the solo cello and flute as well towards the end. The minuet is highlighted by a trio featuring the string bass over a walking figure in the upper strings. The finale opens with a falling figure in the violins and features solo passages for the flute.
The symphony no. 8 in G major, "Evening" is the only one of the three without a slow introduction. It opens lightly in the strings and has a distinctly gallant cast. The second movement, andante, is binary in form. It opens with a sweet theme in the strings and includes lengthy flowing solos for the cello with solos for the bassoon as well. The minuet again includes a solo for the string bass in the trio, which states and expands upon the minuet theme. The finale is Haydn's picture of an evening storm beginning with a dramatic tremelo in the strings and including solo passages for flute, violin, and horn.
This disk is an outstanding introduction to the early classical symphony and will delight new and experienced music lovers alike.
Robin Friedman
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