Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 23, 24 & 61 (1994)

Exploring The Haydn Symphonies: Nos. 23,24,61

Beginning in 1988 and concluding in 2007, Naxos recorded the complete Haydn symphonies by a variety of orchestras and conductors. In 2008, to commemorate the 200 anniversary of the composer's death, Naxos released a 34 CD box set of the complete Haydn symphonies together with box sets of his piano sonatas, concertos, masses, and string quartets. It was a worthy tribute to this great, and still under-appreciated, composer.

From 2004 --- 2006, I reviewed the Haydn symphonies, (and I am reposting them on this site) generally on CDs which included three symphonies each. I reviewed many of the Naxos releases but included other recordings as well. A recording I inadvertently missed at the time was this CD by the Northern Chamber Orchestra, Manchester, conducted by Nicholas Ward of Haydn symphonies 23,24, and 61. Ward and the Northern Chamber Orchestra recorded six CDs of Haydn symphonies as part of the Naxos series. This CD was recorded in Manchester in 1992 and released in 1994. The ensemble plays of modern instruments and the performance and conducting are inspired in these infrequently performed works.

I was eager to revisit this CD simply for itself and also to hear Haydn's symphony no. 61 in D major which I may have missed in my reviews of the symphonies years ago. Haydn composed the symphony at Esterhazy in 1776 during a period when his patron was largely interested in opera and theater music. Haydn appears to have recycled some of the music he wrote in these genres into symphonies, including this symphony no. 61. This is still a delightful, cohesive symphony regardless of its possible origin in theater music. The symphony opens vigorously with a large loud chord and a busy theme in the strings and horn. There is a softer, contrasting second theme with interplay between the strings and winds. The second movement is slow, flowing and serious and is the emotional heart of this work. The two final movements are short: after a brief, glittery minuet, the symphony concludes with a lively, quick movement which features a running theme and several dramatic episodes. I enjoyed hearing this recording and this symphony.

The CD also includes two early symphonies, no. 23 in G major and no. 24 in D major, composed in 1764 for the Esterhazys. I had reviewed these symphonies here in 2006 in a recording by Roy Goodman and the Hanover Band. I was glad revisiting these symphonies with Ward. The symphony no. 23 is small-scaled and intimate. It tends to be subdued and quiet through the first three movements, with a flowing opening movement, and an intimate, walking- type theme in the second movement. The minuet is also characterized by a reflective, quiet theme in the trio. The finale is more brisk with a rhythmic four-note figure contrasting with a light, running theme. The movement has a false close and then works to a surprisingly quiet close giving a twist to the character of the work.

Symphony no. 24 is a slightly larger-scaled work than its companion with its moderately-paced opening movement punctuated by large chords. The highlight of this symphony is the flute solo for the second movement. The movement consists of a beautifully slow and extended line for flute with minimal accompaniment. The performance by the Northern Chamber Orchestra flutist is lovely and fully up to the task. The minuet with follows contrasts strong rhythms with a flowing theme. The finale is vigorous with many contrasts in dynamics and themes.

I enjoyed the opportunity to revisit the Haydn symphonies and to hear and review these three works. This music helped brighten several days. I was reminded of the time I spent with Haydn years ago, and I wanted to rehear more of his inexhaustible music.

Total Time: 56:12

Robin Friedman