Nos.41, 44, 47

A CD in C major – Haydn at his most festive! But Haydn would not be

Haydn if he failed to include a few humorous digressions and surprises.

For example, in the famous Symphony No. 48, nicknamed "Maria

Theresia" – one of the composer’s most dramatic scores in the key –

Haydn called high-pitched C-alto horns and drums – to commemorate

the visit of Empress Maria Theresia to the hungarian castle Esterháza

in 1773. Similarly, the C Major Symphony No. 56 is another magnificent

piece, which, like No. 48, calls for C-alto horns and drums in addition to

some comic and grotesque writing for the bassoon. In view of the

musical demands of these pieces, it is clear that Haydn’s orchestra

consisted of well-trained, excellent musicians indeed. In this instance,

the Heidelberg Symphony Orchestra is no different! Every new release

of Haydn symphonies from Thomas Fey and his ensemble is greeted

with enthusiasm; truly this is how Haydn should sound today. To bring

this about, Fey’s musicians bridge past and present, performing both on

modern string instruments and replicas of authentic period woodwind,

brass and percussion instruments.