Haydn welcomed his trips to England in the 1790s as opportunities to write for ensembles larger than what was available to him at the Esterházy estate and wrote some of his finest symphonies for the London audience. EMI's re-release of its 1986 recording of two of those symphonies, No. 100, "Military," and No. 103, "Drumroll," with the
English Chamber Orchestra conducted by
Jeffrey Tate, is a welcome addition to its catalog, particularly on its bargain Encore series. These are not period-instrument performances, but for a modern orchestra, they have a lightness that suits
Haydn wonderfully.
Tate's reading steers clear of eccentricities of tempo or articulation and is a satisfyingly straightforward presentation that allows
Haydn's idiosyncratic voice to speak for itself. The orchestra responds to his leadership with crisp, fleet performances. The "Drumroll" Symphony, in particular, retains its ability to astonish in its originality and lack of inhibition. EMI's sound is perfectly clear, with a brightness that's ideal for this repertoire.