Haydn 2032, Vol. 1: La Passione

Haydn 2032, Vol. 1: La Passione is part of Antonini’s ambitious project to record all 107 Haydn symphonies by 2032, the tricentenary of the composer’s birth. The volume focuses on Haydn’s Sturm und Drang symphonies, specifically numbers 39, 46, 47, and 49, which are known for their driving rhythms, volatile dynamics, and exhilarating dissonances. The recording includes Haydn’s Symphony No. 1, which Antonini considers a favorite as it showcases Haydn’s style, sense of humor, and love of the unexpected.

The album also features Christoph Willibald Ritter von Gluck’s music to the ballet “Don Juan,” performed in its original version and with original instrumentation. This inclusion provides a contextual link to Haydn’s work, as Gluck’s score is noted for its dramatic expression and musical gestures that resonate with Haydn’s symphonies.

The recording includes 25 tracks, featuring performances by Il Giardino Armonico, known for their speed, precision, and pizzazz. The album received positive reviews, with critics noting the group’s ability to convey the emotional turbulence of Haydn’s works and the vivid portrayal of the fervor and anguish in pieces like Symphony No. 49 and Gluck’s “Don Juan”.

Il Giardino Armonico
Giovanni Antonini, Conductor & Musical Director of Haydn2032