The main point of interest in Panorama’s new Haydn reissue will be Disc 2 of this set, devoted to the two cello concertos and trumpet concerto. In the former, Pierre Fournier’s ingratiating manner and amiable virtuosity affords readings that have a charm and freshness that others often lack. Fournier’s account of the C major Concerto might seem to make relatively few concessions to so-called “authenticity” (try Anner Bylsma or Ivan Monighetti on Harmonia Mundi, or Pieter Wispelwey on Channel Classics if this is a deciding credential), particularly in his overtly romantic approach to the Andante. But outer movements have a keenly incisive tread that, combined with a certain stateliness of approach (the opening movement is slower and steadier than you might expect) reflects the best in Fournier’s aristocratic style.
His account of the D major Concerto is equally deliberate and measured, but the cello playing itself is exemplary, and support from Rudolf Baumgartner and the Lucerne Festival Strings ably matches its decorum and reserve. As an alternative you could investigate Rostropovich’s versions with the English Chamber Orchestra (on EMI “Great Recordings”), bringing generally faster speeds along with Benjamin Britten’s interesting cadenzas. On balance, Fournier’s purer approach comes closer to the spirit of the music, and new transfers of these 1968 analog recordings adds greater bloom and resonance. Haydn’s trumpet concerto is heard in a 1985 Chicago performance under Abbado, and it features Adolph Herseth, the Chicago symphony’s legendary principal trumpeter, as the brilliantly agile soloist. A reflective foil to the concertos is provided by Alfred Brendel’s account of Haydn’s Andante con variazioni in F minor Hob.XVII:6.
Disc 1 is much less satisfactory (a fact reflected in the ratings given here), and Herbert von Karajan’s stubbornly mannered accounts of three of the named “London” symphonies (No. 94 in G “The Surprise”, No. 104 in D “London”, and the “Military” Symphony, No. 100 in G) still disappoint. Karajan’s big-band Haydn misses the lightly-sprung rhythms and contagious jubilance of Colin Davis’ outstanding Amsterdam Concertgebouw performances, available complete on two mid-priced Philips Duo reissues.
