search
date/time
Lancashire Times
A Voice of the Free Press
frontpagebusinessartscarslifestylefamilytravelsportsscitechnaturefictionCartoons
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
9:42 AM 31st July 2022
arts

Classical Music: Haydn Piano Sonatas Vol 11

 
Haydn Piano Sonatas Vol 11

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet

Sonata No. 1 in G major (Hob. XVI: 8); Sonata No. 9 in D major (Hob. XVI: 4); Sonata No. 14 in C major (Hob. XVI: 3); Sonata No. 61 in D Major (Hob. XVI: 51); Sonata No. 62 in E flat major (Hob. XVI: 52); Thema con variazioni in C major (Hob. XVII: 5); Capriccio ‘Acht Sauschneider müssen seyn’ in G major (Hob. XVII: 1); Fantasia in C major (Hob. XVII: 4); Adagio in F major (Hob. XVII: 9; Allegretto. After a piece for musical clock, in G major (Hob. XII:10)

Chandos CHAN 20193

https://www.chandos.net/


For this, the last disc in Jean-Efflam Bavouzet’s complete recordings of Haydn's piano sonatas, he has chosen to place side by side the very first and the very last sonata and other types of works. The beauty of the eleven volumes is that Bavouzet chose not to perform Haydn’s piano sonatas in chronological order.

As we are accustomed to, Bavouzet’s diligence, precision, and the way he brings out the intricacies of each sonata in such a captivating way, does not disappoint. His intelligent approach and thoughtful process applied to the preceding discs is once again on show.

Listening to the way Bavouzet develops themes and brings out the different qualities of Haydn’s music is like watching a flower come into bloom. It starts delicately and as it unfolds and blossoms it does so with warmth finally demonstrating a beautiful luminosity. Bavouzet has a knack of capturing the imagination and drawing the listener into a magical world.

Once again Chandos’ recording team has done an excellent job recording Bavouzet on a Yamaha model CFX in the Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk; throughout this survey, the minutiae has been expressed beautifully, especially the pauses, articulation, and ornamentation.

Bavouzet signs off with performances that drive the rhythmic energy, nothing is lost with the cascade of virtuosic notes.

After the dazzling presto of No 62 we are left to reflect with the short and exquisite G major 'Allegretto', written for an object which combines a clock with a diminutive mechanical organ which has intrigued Bavouzet for some time. He allows the last chord to resonate freely and so, all we are left to do is contemplate Bavouzet's artistry and, this outstanding series.