Volume II of ESS.A.Y’s series inspired by the historical novels of Patrick O’Brian ranges farther afield than does the first volume, so it seems less bound by the overall theme. I can well imagine the J.C Bach and Haydn selections being heard shipboard, but despite his early successes in the British capital, Mozart’s Oboe Quartet seems an unlikely candidate for performance at sea, and Bach’s D minor Partita for solo violin seems even more of a stretch (at least intellectually speaking) however suitable the forces required–and never mind that Mela Tenenbaum plays it very well indeed, with a very swift and exciting Ciaconna conclusion.
That said, there’s every bit as much to enjoy here as in the first volume. Richard Kapp positively wails on the fortepiano in the finale of Haydn’s “Gypsy Rondo” Trio, and while J.C. Bach’s D major Sonata Op. 16 No. 1 is fluff of the fluffiest kind, it’s exactly the sort of conservative, light “classic” that very well might have enjoyed a measure of popularity among the officers of the Royal Navy. Given the excellent quality of the performances there’s no point in stretching the concept any farther than to agree that a rich and enjoyable repertoire undoubtedly was available to those at sea, and more importantly, was actually played.
Amid conditions that could only be considered extremely disgusting by contemporary standards of health and sanitation, the idea of Haydn and scurvy having a place on the same vessel is more than curious, and even perhaps amusing. This charming collection, boldly recorded, can be warmly recommended both for its musical values as well as its historical connotations. Try listening to the Mozart while thinking, “no deodorant, no toilet paper”, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.
