Joseph Haydn Flute Trios Hob IV, Nos. 6-11

Das Ensemble Agora spielt Joseph Haydns Flötentrios auf historischen Instrumenten, ohne daraus etwas Dogmatisches zu machen. Die drei Musiker haben als Interpreten die Frische und Warmherzigkeit echt dienender Musiker, welche die Musik mit kräftiger Akzentuierung und eher gemäßigten, durchaus natürlichen Tempi spielen. Allenfalls hätte man sich eine bessere Ausnutzung der dynamischen Möglichkeiten gewünscht, kann aber mit der unprätentiösen Lesart um so zufriedener sein, als sie die Musik der sechs Divertimenti wirklich singen und tanzen lässt.

The British publisher William Forster commissioned these trios, also called divertimentos, in 1784. Forster had published many other works by Haydn and was well aware of the market potential of anything by him. Published either for two violins and cello or for flute, violin, and cello, they are fairly unusual in that Haydn borrowed freely from other works, including some of his baryton trios and the opera Il Mondo Della Luna. In fact only 9 of the 18 movements were newly composed. (Fermate\'s notes give the sources of the other seven movements.)

While not of earthshaking importance, this music is well written and pleasant in the typically 18th Century pastoral style. The young German musicians who make up the Agora Ensemble play with fine spirit and considerable polish. The recording is extremely natural.

The only other CD currently listed of these works is on Globe. I haven\'t heard it, but it includes two additional trios and thus offers a better value.