COMPOSERS: Haydn,Leopold Hoffmann,Michael Haydn
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Scherzando No. 1; Scherzando No. 2; Scherzando No. 3; Scherzando No. 4; Scherzando No. 5; Scherzando No. 6; Flute Concerto in D
PERFORMER: Emmanuel Pahud (flute); Berlin Haydn Ensemble/Hansjörg Schellenberger
CATALOGUE NO: CDC 5 56577 2
Emmanuel Pahud is only in his twenties but this third consecutively brilliant EMI disc and an ever growing string of admired concerts proves that he is now one of today’s most talented and inspirational flautists.
For these works by Haydn, his younger brother Michael and their Viennese contemporary Leopold Hoffmann, Pahud is joined by fellow members of the Berlin Philharmonic who make up most of the Berlin Haydn Ensemble. It’s an intuitively cohesive and thrilling partnership. The ensemble brings an immediate Classical clarity to the opening Allegro of Michael Haydn’s Concerto while Pahud articulates the sprightly joyous tune with a caressing, light staccato. A suitably fuller tone is adopted for the elegant Andante before an exhilarating, urgent finale. Streams of trills and virtuoso arpeggio passages come effortlessly to Pahud in his own stylish cadenza.
Joseph Haydn’s wit sneaks out occasionally in the scherzandos where Pahud brings his unique flair to the soloistic writing. Dignified, introspective third movements give way to grippingly fast prestos. Pahud draws the listener into the intimacy of Hoffmann’s Flute Concerto in D. His long sense of line is mirrored by the ensemble, bringing a satisfying sense of cohesion to the exciting final movement. A meticulously balanced recording. Kate Sherriff