Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Nicholas Ward, Northern Chamber Orchestra :: Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 23, 24 & 61

First-Class Performances by the NCO

Patrick A Daley | Fredericton, New Brunswick | 07/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Judging from a number of their recordings, the Northern Chamber Orchestra out of Manchester, England, is a remarkable ensemble. Their performances of these symphonies is first-rate, with a great sense style, although they are by no means an 'original instruments' group. This orchestra does not seem to know how to play a dull note.The disc starts with no. 24. The adagio second movement is virtually a miniature flute concerto, and a very beautiful one. Apparently Haydn had a very good flautist in his orchestra at Esterhazy, one Fritz Sigl. This steals the show. These symphonies all follow a standard pattern, fast, slow, minuet, fast. Within this structure, however, all the movements are very different. One is continually amazed at Haydn's inventiveness. According to the liner notes, nos. 23 and 24 were written in 1764 for Prince Esterhazy, and they are superb examples of Haydn's earlier period. No. 61, composed in 1776 is more sophisticated, although it seems to contain theatre music. Its Its slow second movement is again exceedingly beautiful, seeming to express some pathos, not a usual mood for Haydn. The graceful minuet and the lively and theatrical fourth movement prestissimo are much more cheerful.Haydn wrote more good symphonies than anyone else, and these are all wonderfully inventive works. The recording, done in the Concert Hall of the New Broadcasting House in Manchester, is very fine, with a nice ambience."