One of Haydn's greatest symphonies in a tempestuous interpretation (26 minutes instead of the usual 31)! The first movement was brilliant. The second was simply too fast for my taste. This is a more intimate music - at least the main theme and the middle section, not the tutti part -, it's a real pity not to enjoy it a bit better. The 3rd movement - despite the failed entry by the kettledrum - was the best version I have ever heard. The tempo of the finale was quite a surprise. Never ever heard this one that fast. I was a bit afraid, whether it was even too fast for some musicians, but this orchestra has the most skillful members, so they followed well. That was overall an awesome spectacle to listen to! Thank you Mr Fischer!
I wish Mackerras had done a complete Haydn London 12 cycle, because the four (100, 101, 103, 104) he did for Telarc are amazing, and still my favorites.
That crazy speed! Why? Not what Haydn had wanted. Loses all the grandeaur, much of the opportunity of living phrazing, and also Haydn's cheerful and down to earth "peasant music" quality. The strings are too few, sound thin, play without warmth and vibrato, and are not given time to build long phrazes or play beautifully.
One of Haydn's greatest symphonies in a tempestuous interpretation (26 minutes instead of the usual 31)! The first movement was brilliant. The second was simply too fast for my taste. This is a more intimate music - at least the main theme and the middle section, not the tutti part -, it's a real pity not to enjoy it a bit better. The 3rd movement - despite the failed entry by the kettledrum - was the best version I have ever heard. The tempo of the finale was quite a surprise. Never ever heard this one that fast. I was a bit afraid, whether it was even too fast for some musicians, but this orchestra has the most skillful members, so they followed well. That was overall an awesome spectacle to listen to! Thank you Mr Fischer!
I wish Mackerras had done a complete Haydn London 12 cycle, because the four (100, 101, 103, 104) he did for Telarc are amazing, and still my favorites.
Bravo
Adam Fischer conducts Haydn remembering the lesson of the greatest Mozart symphonies and advancing the sound of Schubert.
That crazy speed! Why? Not what Haydn had wanted. Loses all the grandeaur, much of the opportunity of living phrazing, and also Haydn's cheerful and down to earth "peasant music" quality.
The strings are too few, sound thin, play without warmth and vibrato, and are not given time to build long phrazes or play beautifully.
The last two movements are far too fast! For me it’s Bohm, Krips, Kertesz, Klemperer & Slatkin any day!