A terrific concert by the Australian Haydn Ensemble, filmed at The Fitters Workshop in Canberra, and streamed by the Australian Digital Concert Hall.
Close attention was paid to the structure of the music which was given a rich, nuanced performance. Conductor Roland Peelman was very energetic and precise, all elbows and hands.
First we heard JC Bach’s Symphony in G minor Op. 6 No. 6 where propelling rhythms are contrasted with rhapsodic segments, which includes complex interweaving with a repeated circular melody in this work by one of four sons of JS Bach who became composers. (He was known as “The English Bach” as he moved to London to be appointed Music Master to Queen Charlotte ). The piece flowed briskly, in particular the energetic opening which was played at a dashing pace. The Adante was slower and included both softer, gentle passages interspersed with fiery, vivacious sections. There was a give and take discussion for the Allegro Molto which featured glimmering tremolos and Daniel Yeadon and Antony Albrecht on cello joined in impassioned discussion with the violins leading to a tumultuous conclusion.
Then we heard some splendiferous Mozart arias namely:
‘Va dal furor portata’ was first, fast and furious. Tenor Andrew Goodwin unleashed vocal fireworks in a show stopping coloratura aria accompanied by scurrying strings.
‘Clarice cara mia sposa’ was a tongue twisting, eccentric piece terrifically sung by Goodwin with precise diction whilst Peelman conducted.
‘Vorrei Spiegarmi’ was next as performed by Jacqueline Porter in a passionate performance with oboe and strings enhancing her eloquent voice while the final section displayed her agility.
This was followed by Porter’s pensive, atmospheric performance of ‘Aura che intorno spiri’.
Goodwin returned for the refined, darkly dramatic ‘Misero o sogno’ displaying assorted moods. He was passionate, aching and reflective in this burnished showcase. Flutes and oboes were featured. Were there hints of Mozart’s Don Giovanni ?
‘L’amerò, sarò costante’ from Il Re Pastore, sung by Porter, concluded the aria display and led us to interval. It was finely nuanced and textured with a dialogue between Porter and Skye Mcintosh on violono principale .
After interval, Michael Haydn’s Overture to Die Hochzeit auf der Alm (The Wedding on the Alp) had a poignant, very moving horn beginning, in some ways, like a hunting call for Carla Blackwood and Doree Dixon on horns which led to scurries by the strings with an atmosphere of Alpine pastures. It was richly textured, lucid, spirited and stylish.
Shake, rattle and roll- much fun from its brisk, tumbling start. Leopold Mozart’s quirky Cassation in G major (Toy Symphony) foregrounds percussion and wind children’s toys. Melissa Farrow played a constant, fluent theme on recorder which featured, in every movement, James Eccles (violist) doubled on recorder. And then there was Chad Keely’s flamboyant, flirty, witty sung exclamation. The joyful short movements added much colour to the night and the orchestra had great fun.
Joseph Haydn’s Symphony No. 82 in C Major (The Bear) had a most emphatic opening and swayed, flourished and scurried throughout, with an insistent, underlying beat. The first movement has strident discords, which possibly hinted at Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony. Gambolling and shuffling, this work blends both clamorous and complex, benign and sleek. The musical structure is precisely balanced. A marvellous way to conclude the concert .
Concert : The Mozarts, The Haydns and The Bear
Artists:
Skye McIntosh – Violin
Roland Peelman – Conductor
Andrew Goodwin – Tenor
Jacqueline Porter – Soprano
The Australian Haydn Ensemble
Program:
JC Bach – Symphony in G minor Op. 6 No. 6
Mozart – Selected arias including:
‘Va dal furor portata’
‘Clarice cara mia sposa’
‘Vorrei Spiegarmi’
‘Misero! O sogno … Aura che intorno spiri’
‘L’amerò, sarò costante’ from Il Re Pastore
Michael Haydn – Overture to Die Hochzeit auf der Alm (The Wedding on the Alp)
Leopold Mozart – Cassation for Toys, 2 oboes, 2 horns, strings & continuo in G major (Toy Symphony)
Haydn – Symphony No. 82 in C Major (The Bear)
Running time roughly 1 hr 50 mins including interval.
https://australiandigitalconcerthall.com/#/item/100969
https://www.australianhaydn.com.au/events/the-mozarts-the-haydns-and-the-bear