The Kolner Akademie, under the artistic direction of Michael Alexander Willens, presents Joseph Haydn's Symphonies Nos. 44 ('Mourning'), 49 ('La passione') and 45 ('Farewell'). Written during Haydn's early years at the Esterhazy court, these works belong to his Sturm und Drang period, when he was developing a new approach to symphonic writing through experimentation with form, harmony and compositional technique. These three symphonies demonstrate the defining characteristics of Haydn's Sturm und Drang style: an intense and highly expressive musical language, adventurous treatment of form and harmony, sophisticated contrapuntal writing, and a sustained interest in exploring the possibilities of orchestral texture and instrumental colour.

The Kolner Akademie and Michael Alexander Willens previously appeared on PENTATONE with Vienna Mandolin Stories (2025) and J.S. Bach's Lutheran Masses (2026).