Stefan Amzoll, Neues Deutschland, 15th November 2017
“Some, though not all, of Haydn’s twelve London symphonies showcase how much Mozart learned from his example. The spirit of the Classical period lives in them and broadens our perspective. The aforementioned No. 104 begins with an Adagio framed by chords, a surprise in its time since it deviated from the norm. Haydn also took an innovative approach in the second movement Andante, an express invitation to creative interpretation. Michael Francis and and the Berlin musicians took the invitation and managed to make this movement blossom in a highly artistic way. The tempos decelerate in a periodic rhythmic pattern. High importance is afforded to the rests as well as the delicate shifts in dynamics. The third movement, “Minuet Allegro”, a composition modeled after a rondo, is not as purely Classical as expected, but instead punctured by Haydn in order to let sudden dramatic beats emerge. Such flights of inspiration, carefully showcased by Francis, are early allusions to Beethoven.”
“Charles Ives’ eight-minute “Unanswered Question” was arranged by Michael Francis as a chamber piece. At the very top, the trumpet announcing its signals repeatedly like a caller in the desert, in the middle, the string group weaving its tapestry of sounds, with the conductor’s back facing them, and in front of him in elevated position, the flute quartet invading the piece in short bursts. This horizontal line splits the hall and creates three layered islands which send out completely different messages. Wonderful to hear.”
“Michael Francis conducted the works of his fellow countryman full of devotion and in great synchronicity with the magnificent RSB orchestra.”
