Joseph Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 44, 49 & 45 [CD]

Kölner Akademie – Joseph Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 44, 49 & 45 [CD]

The Kölner Akademie and Michael Alexander Willens turn to three of Haydn's most dramatic symphonies: No. 44 'Mourning', No. 49 'La passione' and No. 45 'Farewell'. Written during his early years at the Esterházy court, they are the heart of his Sturm und Drang period, full of minor-key intensity, bold harmony, tight counterpoint and restless experiments with form and orchestral colour.

A single CD on Pentatone, following the ensemble's earlier releases Vienna Mandolin Stories and Bach's Lutheran Masses on the label. Fiery, characterful playing of music that still sounds startlingly modern.

Genre: Classical, Orchestral.