Nicholas McGegan’s latest CD nominated for Grammy

Nicholas McGegan’s recent CD recording of Haydn Symphonies with Philharmonia Baroque where he has been music director for 25 years has been nominated for a Grammy. Writing in the Chicago Tribune, John von Rhein makes it his album of the week:

Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 88, 101 and 104 with Philharmonia Baroque (CD)

“McGegan’s period band follows the release of a stunning disc of Berlioz and Handel (sung by the late mezzo-soprano Lorraine Hunt Lieberson) with this highly enjoyable album of late Haydn symphonies, recorded in concerts at Berkeley’s First Congregational Church from 2007 to 2009. Even in a field crowded with period-instrument Haydn symphony recordings, McGegan’s vigorous, charismatic readings compel your attention. Tempos are well chosen, never hectic or driven, as some “authentic” versions tend to be. The 50-odd players take to their conductor’s crisp articulations and buoyant phrasings so well that the music speaks with an appealing naturalness. When McGegan does intervene — note the explosive bursts of timpani in the slow movement of No. 88, and the lusty whoops of the valveless horns in the opening Presto of the “Clock” — it’s always to bring out Papa Haydn’s charm and good humor. The fact that the performances were caught on the wing, in clear, truthful sound, seals the deal. Highly recommended.”