The classics of Haydn remain classics precisely because his music has been beloved through the centuries. But in order to keep the music fresh, the artists must create worthwhile interpretations, or else it becomes yet another recording. There is no danger of boring the listener in this exciting album by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas McGegan. Each of the three symphonies here has something to say and is distinctly its own work. The "London" Symphony begins like a bell darkly tolling, and ...
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The classics of Haydn remain classics precisely because his music has been beloved through the centuries. But in order to keep the music fresh, the artists must create worthwhile interpretations, or else it becomes yet another recording. There is no danger of boring the listener in this exciting album by the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas McGegan. Each of the three symphonies here has something to say and is distinctly its own work. The "London" Symphony begins like a bell darkly tolling, and the orchestra plays perfectly in unison. But this introduction gives way into a starkly contrasting allegro. The orchestra offers a light, crisp Baroque sound, sounding slightly tuned-down. It pays careful attention to each line, for each line speaks, each accent is observed (such as in the Menuetto and Trio). The Andante once again shows a stark contrast between the pulsing, pausing, courtly dance of the beginning that shifts into violent passion and then stately grace. It is to...
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