This recording joins performances of Haydn’s cello concertos by Ludovít Kanta and the Capella Istropolitana that have featured in the Naxos listings for some time and were due for a fresh look. Maria Kliegel’s energetic and stylish accounts certainly are much more appealing, and as with her other Naxos recordings, this one has fulsome tone and generous musical presence–but to a degree that some listeners will feel doesn’t suit Haydn especially well. However, as budget modern-instrument readings, these will hold up quite well to repeated listening. Kliegel’s disc also merits attention for its completeness; here’s a rare chance to get the “little” D major concerto alongside the other two. As you’d expect if you’ve heard Kliegel already, her account of the well-known D major concerto is a sonorous and lucid one, but passing caveats include big rallentandos before fermatas at the end of the opening movement’s second group (once is okay; any more and it becomes a tiresome mannerism), and a wide vibrato that’s not always apt. But the impressive vivacity of the performance derives from generally brisk tempos rather than lightness of touch–for the latter you should go to Truls Mørk’s outstanding Virgin CD with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra.
Kliegel also gives a sprightly account of the C major concerto. Although it’s very well played, the choice of cadenzas (faintly elaborated versions of the little ones written by Milos Sádlo for the first modern published edition) is disappointing. Lastly, what makes this disc especially useful is the unauthenticated D major concerto sandwiched between its regularly performed siblings. It’s a delightful work, otherwise unavailable on disc, and very nicely done.
