Sturm und Drang, Vol. 4
Works by Kraus, Traetta, Mozart et al
Alexandra Lowe (vocalist); The Mozartists/Ian Page
Signum SIGCD1012 73 mins
Signum’s Sturm und Drang project, curated by Ian Page, gains in stature and substance with every new release.
This engrossing offering is again thrillingly realised by The Mozartists, who play with a vitality and precision seldom eclipsed by other periodist ensembles.
Ian Page’s scholarly notes remind us that the Sturm und Drang movement rapidly outgrew its literary origins, supplanting the Rococo semantics of formal Classicism by the time these two symphonies (which frame a triptych of vocal works featuring the soprano Alexandra Lowe) were written.
The C minor Symphony by Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-92) dates from around 1783, and was dedicated to Haydn, who declared that it would ‘be regarded as a masterpiece for centuries to come; believe me, there are few people who can compose something like that’. It receives a gritty performance here; every dramatic gesture and unexpected dynamic contrast registers forcefully, with acrid gut strings and the impetuous rasp of natural horns conveying a visceral agitation that’s often papered over when modern instruments are employed.
The apocryphal story of Haydn’s ‘Farewell’ Symphony No. 45 needs no explanation here, but Ian Page’s affectionate and eloquent account merits more comment than space permits. The unbridled vehemence of the opening Allegro is vividly captured, yet affectingly counterbalanced by nostalgic playing in the Adagio, and as the ensemble shrinks during the Finale, eventually to just two violins, it is hard to imagine Prince Esterházy failing to grant his musicians’ plaintive yet respectful holiday request. Unmissable!
