Conductor Adam Fischer’s series of Haydn’s last and greatest symphonies comes in the wake of his acclaimed sets of the complete symphonies of Beethoven (‘utterly fascinating’ Gramophone) and Brahms (‘a revelation’ Stretto), both of which also featured the Danish Chamber Orchestra. Conductor and players have worked closely together for more than twenty years, and that sense of a singular musical purpose is palpable in anything they record, not least in the dramatic engagement evidenced in this latest album from their Haydn series.
Franz Joseph HAYDN (1732–1809)
Late Symphonies, Vol. 3
Nos. 99, 100 ‘Military’ and 101 ‘The Clock’
Danish Chamber OrchestraAdam Fischer
Franz Joseph Haydn’s last great symphonies electrified his London audiences, and with these recordings Adam Fischer and the Danish Chamber Orchestra recreate the powerful, stormy and exciting effects that caused such a sensation in the 1790s. Symphony No. 99 in E flat major was Haydn’s first ever symphony to use clarinets; No. 100 in G major gained its ‘Military’ appellation due to its grand second movement featuring cymbals and triangle; and No. 101 in D major has long been nicknamed ‘The Clock’ due to the ticking rhythm in the second movement for plucked strings and bassoons. Previous volumes in the series are available on 8.574516 and 8.574517.
Watch video trailers:
No. 99 IV. Vivace
Listen to Raymond Bisha’s podcast conversation with Adam Fischer
Hungarian-born conductor Adam Fischer is much in demand for his noted performances of both opera and concert repertoire and has appeared at a significant number of leading international concert halls and opera houses. He has been associated with the Danish Chamber Orchestra since 1997, serving as chief conductor from 1998, where he still is a major driving force and initiator both in Denmark and internationally. In 2022, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Classical Music Awards.
The Danish Chamber Orchestra’s roots go back more than 80 years to its foundation in 1939; in 2014 the ensemble changed from being part of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation to an independent orchestra, fully owned by the musicians, which combines symphonic music at the highest international level with a broad popular appeal. Their chief conductor, Adam Fischer, has worked closely with the orchestra since 1997. Together, they have developed a sophisticated, energetic style of playing, particularly in music of the Classical period.
– Fanfare
– The Guardian ★★★★★
– Gramophone
– AllMusic.com ★★★★