Heidelberger Sinfoniker

After Thomas Fey and Benjamin Spillner, Johannes Klumpp is now the third conductor to take the helm of the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra and complete the Haydn cycle begun in the late 1990s. And it must be said that in the course of a quarter of a century, the complete recording of the Haydn symphonies has lost some of its topicality and appeal. Recording progresses slowly, and what was new and timely 25 years ago is now old hat. In addition, other ensembles have caught up with Haydn, so that Fey’s once-revolutionary interpretations are hardly noticed today. And yet, for me, the Heidelberg Haydn remains one of the best recordings ever made. Sure, the orchestra has become a more composed under Johannes Klumpp, but it is impossible not to hear that the interpretations have become deeper, more balanced, and also more coherent. Technically, the Heidelberg Symphony has improved, and Klumpp manages to bridge the gap between striking historical performance practice and classical elegance. This may be less spectacular, but Haydn’s symphonies gain independence and presence under Klumpp’s baton, and this in outstanding sound quality.

The symphonies recorded here give a good overall impression of the Heidelberg orchestra’s interpretive concept. Especially the early symphonies 12, 13, 16, 21-25, 28, 29 & 30 deserve great interest, because they are explored with the same seriousness as the later works, i.e. symphonies 55, 66, 67 & 72. This Haydn album Vol. 28-31 is without a doubt one of the highlights of the Heidelberg Haydn cycle, thanks to its unity, balance and interpretive and playing intelligence.