Presto Recording of the Week
26th May 2023

Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie, Paavo Järvi

Paavo Järvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen embarks on the fascinating journey to explore Haydn’s twelve masterpieces. Since their first concert back in 1995, Paavo Järvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen (DKAM) have been active in classical music scene with their fresh and innovative interpretation of Symphonic works.

Their new recording project after five years’ absence is Haydn’s London Symphonies (Nos.93-104), 12 masterworks composed specifically for London audience between 1791 and 1795. They are the culmination of Haydn’s creative activity and sum up his matured symphonic writing for the orchestra. All of 12 symphonies were first performed during Haydn’s two prolonged stays in London and became the highlights of the city’s musical seasons. Recognizable nicknames like “Surprise”, “Miracle”, “The Clock”were instantly given to many of them.

The first volume combines two of the most popular symphonies among the entire London Symphonies, namely No. 101 “The Clock” and No. 103 “Drum Roll”. Symphony No. 101 is famous for the clock-like rhythm of the second movement, while Symphony No. 103 surprises the listener with the long solo timpani roll at the very beginning.

Paavo Järvi has loved Haydn’s symphonies for a long time and considers them quite neglected in the shadows of Mozart and Beethoven. With DKAM and their absorption of historically informed practice, now is the perfect time for him to explore the world of Haydn, because “on the surface his music can often appear brilliant yet facile. But there’s much more to it than that, like Mozart and Beethoven, it is much more complex and nuanced."

CD booklet include the interview with Paavo Järvi and introductory notes by noted British composer and writer, Gerald McBurney.