1994, Music

Symphonies Nos. 45, 46, 47 (1994) by Joseph Haydn, performed by Tafelmusik conducted by Bruno Weill

This disc collects three of Haydn’s “middle” symphonies, at a time when Haydn was getting more and “romantic” for lack of a better word. Like all Tafelmusik recordings, they are played on period instruments.

The “Farewell” symphony is just an incredible thing. The opening is out there for the time period – at least to my ears though apparently it is a pretty traditional form otherwise. And the middle parts are pretty traditional. But the finale is bonkers: it’s slow, for one thing, but it also features a gradual diminution of instruments, till it’s down to just the violins. On stage, the orchestra apparently leaves the stage (and even blows out candles). It’s impossible to hear that obviously, but it’s still a rather radical act – and the sound of the orchestra decreasing is as well. Apparently Haydn was sending a message to his patron, which is pretty funny. Knowing little about this period, I am hard pressed to think of something comparable.

The 46th symphony strikes me as a lot less daring at first. But there are subtle little devices he uses to make it relatively unconventional for its day. It’s only in the finale when it gets really weird for its time. And again, it’s a bit of a stand out.

The 47th, though the latest, is the least interesting of the three, at least to my ears. Apparently one of the movements is half backwards, but I guess I’m not expert enough to hear that.

On the whole this compilation is really strong, the period instruments are fine, but what I appreciate is putting three symphonies together in order like this, so it’s not some arbitrary thing, like so many of the compilations out there.

9/10

  1. Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor (“Farewell”/”Candle”/”Letter B”), H. 1/45: Allegro assai; 4:46
  2. Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor (“Farewell”/”Candle”/”Letter B”), H. 1/45: Adagio; 10:26
  3. Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor (“Farewell”/”Candle”/”Letter B”), H. 1/45: Menuet. Allegretto – Trio; 3:30
  4. Symphony No. 45 in F sharp minor (“Farewell”/”Candle”/”Letter B”), H. 1/45: Finale. Presto; 7:58
  5. Symphony No. 46 in B major, H. 1/46: 1. Vivace; 5:23
  6. Symphony No. 46 in B major, H. 1/46: Poco adagio; 6:16
  7. Symphony No. 46 in B major, H. 1/46: Menuet. Allegretto – Trio; 2:35
  8. Symphony No. 46 in B major, H. 1/46: Finale. Presto e scherzando;5:45
  9. Symphony No. 47 in G major (“The Palindrome”/”Letter L”), H. 1/47: [Allegro]; 5:39
  10. Symphony No. 47 in G major (“The Palindrome”/”Letter L”), H. 1/47: Un poco adagio, cantabile; 8:08
  11. Symphony No. 47 in G major (“The Palindrome”/”Letter L”), H. 1/47: Menuet – Trio; 2:17
  12. Symphony No. 47 in G major (“The Palindrome”/”Letter L”), H. 1/47: Finale. Presto assai; 4:59

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