From: rtut@troi.cc.rochester.edu (Raymond Tuttle)
Newsgroups: rec.music.classical
Subject: New Haydn symphony CDs from Hanover Band, LA Chamber Ensemble
Date: 18 Nov 92 22:32:40 GMT
Organization: University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)

As far as I'm concerned, whether Baroque or Classical works are played
on modern or "authentic" instruments matters less than whether they
are played with panache and sensitivity.  I'd rather hear a big orchestra
have a grand old time with a Haydn symphony than hear a couple dozen
of prune-faced "original instruments" mavens sawing away dutifully at
the same work. 

A new CD on the Dorian label (DOR-90168) contains three Haydn
symphonies: Nos. 38, 82 ("The Bear"), and 104 ("London"),  played by the
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra under their new music director Christof
Perick.  This ensemble, unashamedly clutching their modern
instruments, turns in performances of these three symphonies which
are a stylish delight from beginning to end. 

Although these performances use less than 40 musicians, they have the
spirit and swing of well-loved "big band" readings conducted by Sir
Thomas Beecham or Leonard Bernstein. Faster movements crackle with
energy but are free from the anachronistic excesses that can mar
performances by other groups of this type. Slower movements unfurl
with an unhurried confidence. Maestro Perick phrases Haydn's melodies
with a song-like grace, and it is no surprise to find out that he in fact
has gained a considerable reputation as an opera conductor. 

Dorian taped these readings in UCLA's Royce Hall, and the sound is very
satisfying - warm and clear without being clinical.  I don't know if this
is the beginning of a LA Chamber Orchestra/Haydn series on Dorian, but
on the basis of this issue, it might be a very good idea. 

It is instructive to compare the Dorian disc with the two most recent
releases in Hyperion's Haydn Edition with The Hanover Band (Roy
Goodman, director).   Disc CDA 66528 contains Symphonies Nos. 101
("The Clock") and 102, plus the overture to "Windsor Castle"; CDA 66529
contains Symphonies Nos. 9 through 12. 

The Hyperion Haydn Edition has been historically correct, intelligently
presented and frankly, often rather dull.  Some of the symphonies in
this series, especially the earlier ones, have turned out well in an
understated, even precious sort of way.  However, when we get to the
later ones, it is hard to hear how important and prophetic these works
were in these tinkly little performances.  Symphonies Nos. 101 and 102
are badly underpowered here, and it is difficult to imagine anyone being
jolted by Haydn's amazing originality when it is presented in these pale
pastel colors. 

I don't recall The Hanover Band sounding so reticent in their  Beethoven
cycle for Nimbus Records several years ago.  Stylistically, there is not
that much difference between early Beethoven and late Haydn, but you
would think that centuries separated these two men after hearing The
Hanover Band. 

To be fair, I have enjoyed several of the earlier issues in this series,
but these all contained relatively early symphonies; the disc containing
the four earlier symphonies is similarly pleasant.  But sometimes I
want more than just  pleasant, and I think Haydn, nodding his powdered
wig, would agree. 





--
****************************************   Raymond S. Tuttle
"Dunkel ist das Leben, ist der Tod,"       University of Rochester
but it's nothing to get depressed about!   (still with his two little 
****************************************   white mice).
Newsgroups: rec.music.classical