Emotion in a few short stanzas

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Haydn, supposedly "bad box office", is off the menu for most concert promoters. But scarcity sparks demand and last night's Wigmore Hall concert by the period instrument Classical Opera Company, conducted by Ian Page, drew a capacity audience. Showpiece arias from three neglected operas demonstrated Haydn's skill at packing emotion into a few short stanzas. It if takes a Cecilia Bartoli to unleash this music's full range, Klara Ek (soprano) and Henry Waddington (bass baritone) nevertheless gave stylish and assured performances.

Two symphonies from the "Sturm und Drang" 1770s gave the evening vital focus. Symphony No26 in D minor, Lamentatione, teems with subversive invention, insolent syncopations making merry in an essentially sober work. The Classical Ensemble played with agility but sounded even better in Symphony No44 in E minor, Trauer, having sorted horn problems. With Haydn's music, above all other "greats" and rather like faith, you get it or you don't. His economy of form astonishes. The mix of generosity, wisdom and mischief exercises your highest listening skills. And if you fear it's mechanical, try the Adagio of Symphony No44, as heart-rending as any work of art can be. Haydn wanted it at his funeral. Not a bad choice. This symphony, as with so much of this composer's music, reminds us what it is to be alive.

Classical Opera Company
Wigmore Hall
Wigmore Street, W1U 2BF