While symphonies Nos. 31 and 72 are noteworthy for their extravagant horn and other concertante writing, they aren’t easy works to interpret owing to their often less than interesting thematic material (the opening “hornsignal” of No. 31 aside). Much of their effectiveness depends on the quality of the solo work, which is very good here. But Jaap van Zweden’s contribution is comparatively faceless. In all three works he adds a harpsichord continuo, wholly unnecessary and really wrong-headed. It homogenizes instrumental timbres that Haydn has taken special pains to make vivid.
The interpretive blandness becomes most evident in “La Chasse”, the best work overall. Although the playing is never less than good, the music remains merely crisp and neat, professional rather than captivating. In fact, it resembles many of Neville Marriner’s old Philips recordings with the ASMF, including dull timpani and accents that could use more bite. The famous horn call in the finale is balanced so as to make the oboes perfectly clear, at the expense of the horns. It’s musical, after a fashion, but just not exciting. In short, despite the sensible coupling and good intentions all around, this disc really is a bit boring.
