Haydn Keyboard [Sonata] Sonatas, Volume 2—No. 53 in E minor, HobXVI/34; No. 54 in G, HobXVI/40; No. 55 in B flat, HobXVI/41; No. 56 in D, HobXVI/42; No. 58 in C, HobXVI/48. Variations in F minor, HobXVII/6. Jeno Jando (pf).

Naxos (Super budget price) (CD) 8 550845 (70 minutes: DDD).

As I pointed out in my review of Vol. 1 (6/94), one of the attractions of Jando's Haydn sonata series is the current absence of a complete recording of this repetoire in the catalogue. Nevertheless, there are some excellent recordings of Haydn piano sonatas, and Brendel's anthology is probably one of the finest.

Jando captures the vigorous energy of Haydn's E minor Sonata, HobXVI/34, well—especially in the finale, but Brendel's more contemplative style seems better suited both to the wistful Presto, with which the work begins, and the work's warmly expressive Adagio second movement. In the three Sonatas HobXVI Nos. 40-42, Jando's extremely satisfying precision in the passagework and thoughtful dynamic control overall effectively convey the music's dramatic variety. The recording quality is slightly drier than in Brendel's version, but this is not altogether a disadvantage. The brilliant piano sound on Brendel's disc is very attractive, but at times it is just a shade too glamorous and unrealistic. This is particularly true of the F minor Variations. HobXVII/6, where Jando sounds more natural.

Although Jando may lack some of Brendel's emotional intensity (compare the opening movement of the C major Sonata, HobXVI/48, where Jando's approach is more straightforward and direct), in the faster music, at least, he is scarcely less fine. Jando offers compelling accounts of this music, and I doubt that many will be disappointed with playing as disciplined as this—especially at the price.

NAR