Haydn: Symphony No. 96; Symphony No. 97; Symphony No. 98; Symphony No.99
Published:
COMPOSERS: Haydn
LABELS: Teldec Ultima
WORKS: Symphony No. 96; Symphony No. 97; Symphony No. 98; Symphony No.99
PERFORMER: Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra/ Nikolaus Harnoncourt
CATALOGUE NO: 3984-21337-2
Forget Harnoncourt’s long experience with period instruments: this is a large modern symphony orchestra, filling the resonant space of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. The results can be very impressive, as in the intense Adagio of No. 99. But the hard-driving tempi, and the frequent lack of heed to Haydn’s staccato markings, take some of the lightness and fun out of the quick movements. Admirably crisp playing throughout, though, and excellent sound. So for listeners more in sympathy than I with Harnoncourt’s serious, ‘big-band’ approach, this is a useful bargain. Anthony Burton