Thomas Zehetmair - Perspectives (2023) Hi-Res

Passion and momentum are on the program for the latest opus of the Orchester National Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes with the little-known Symphonies No. 49 and No. 80 by “Papa” Haydn supplemented by Ramifications by György Ligeti.

The “Passione” to start. Composed in 1768, it denotes the “Sturm und Drang” period. The least we can say is that it lives up to its name. Joy and good humor are to be excluded from this score; on the contrary, fear and a certain suffering inhabit the work. The expert strings of the Orchester National Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes wonderfully amplify these elements of torment. Added to this is the lively tempo chosen by conductor Thomas Zehetmair which leads us towards a sort of abyss.

Symphony No. 80 is more traditional. Unfortunately for her, not only is it a rarely performed work but it also does not benefit from any nickname, which adds to its anonymity among the 104 symphonies of the Viennese innovator. This sad fate is, as is often the case in such cases, unfair because it deserves attention, especially since the reading offered by the Auvergnats is of high class with precision and élan. We find what makes Haydn's music: science and elegance.

This triptych of shadows is skilfully completed by Ramifications by György Ligeti on the occasion of the centenary of the composer's birth (Note that this is only the second recording of this score in France after the historic one by Pierre Boulez and the Ensemble Intercontemporain for DGG). Another cutting-edge and ambitious work of our time that requires virtuosity that is never gratuitous. And the Auvergnats have it in spades.

You have understood, this new release from ONA, studio recording label, is a great little success but above all a courageous choice because it highlights lesser known chapters of our Western music. A wrong righted!