Thomas Fey and the
Heidelberger Sinfoniker appear to have no lack of ambition. In addition to two discs of Mozart piano concertos and two discs of Beethoven symphonies, this is the seventh disc in a projected complete edition of Haydn symphonies. Fortunately, they also appear to have no lack of ability. In Haydn's ebullient symphonies No. 69, No. 87, and No. 86,
Fey and the
Heidelberger period-instrument orchestra deliver powerful, colorful, lyrical, and altogether delightful performances, performances with crisp textures, sharp attacks, strong rhythms, and a huge sense of humor, in other words, ideal Haydn performances. The
Heidelberger players are lithe and lean, wonderfully together but also wholly individualistic -- just listen to their characterful wind playing in the Adagio of Symphony No. 87.
Fey is a compelling conductor, shaping and sculpting the performances and moving them with unerring accuracy to the final cadence at the double bars -- just listen to his controlled but explosive tempo in the closing Presto of Symphony No. 69. And whether recorded in the Bürgerhaus in Mörlenbach or in the Gesellschaftshaus in Pfaffengrund, Hänssler's sound is warm, clean, clear, and close. Listeners who love Haydn should by all means consider this disc and listeners who don't already love Haydn could find themselves moved by this disc.