CD Review | Haydn Symphonies 43 & 49: Mercury & La Passione — Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Haydn Symphonies 43 & 49: Mercury & La Passione

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra; Rachel Podger, Principal Guest Director

Tafelmusik Media, 2024

The latest release from Tafelmusik, featuring Haydn’s Symphonies No. 43 “Mercury” and No. 49 “La Passione,” is a masterful exploration of two of the composer’s lesser-performed works. Directed by Rachel Podger, this album – performed on period instruments – offers a fresh and historically informed perspective of these two contrasting works.

Symphony No. 43, known as “Mercury,” is a delightful example of Haydn’s inventive spirit. Composed in 1771, the symphony is characterized by its elegance and charm. The opening Allegro is lively and spirited, setting the tone for the entire piece. Tafelmusik’s performance captures the buoyant energy of this movement, with crisp articulation and dynamic contrasts that bring the music to life. The Adagio that follows is serene and lyrical, showcasing the orchestra’s ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety and grace.

The use of period instruments adds a layer of authenticity to the sound, allowing listeners to experience the music as it might have been heard in Haydn’s time. The Menuetto and Trio are playful and dance-like, with a rustic charm that is enhanced by the ensemble’s precise and nuanced playing. The final Allegro is a joyful and exuberant conclusion, leaving the listener with a sense of satisfaction.

In stark contrast to the light-hearted “Mercury,” Symphony No. 49 “La Passione” is a work of profound intensity and drama. Composed in 1768, this symphony is one of Haydn’s few minor-key symphonies, and it stands out for its emotional depth and complexity. The opening Adagio is dark and brooding. Tafelmusik’s interpretation is powerful and evocative, with a rich, full-bodied sound that draws the listener into the music’s emotional landscape.

The Allegro di molto that follows is a whirlwind of energy and tension, with driving rhythms and dramatic contrasts. The orchestra’s precise and energetic playing brings out the urgency and excitement of this movement. The Menuetto and Trio provide a brief respite from the intensity, with a more relaxed and lyrical character, but the underlying tension remains. The final Presto is a thrilling and relentless conclusion, with a sense of urgency and inevitability that is both exhilarating and unsettling.

Tafelmusik’s recording of Haydn’s Symphonies No. 43 “Mercury” and No. 49 “La Passione” is a triumph of period performance. The combination of historically informed interpretation, expert musicianship, and Rachel Podger’s inspired direction results in a recording that is both enlightening and deeply moving.