Lightness of interpretation Harnoncourt conducts Haydn, reviewed by PATRIC STANDFORD elatus    2564 61175-2

Harnoncourt's refinement and lightness of interpretation, the orchestra's firm yet delicate playing and the rewarding acoustic make this an appealing re-issue by Warner Classics of recordings that have worn well and have a particular interest in the classical cycle. The recording of the Clock Symphony was made in 1988 and the E-flat Symphony two years later, both at the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam.

In the Adagio of No 99 there is some lovely wind playing (having all the repeats allows it to be savoured) and there is no fear of brisk tempi with the orchestra's precise string playing in the Finale [listen -- track 4, 0:00-1:05].

No 101 is just as exciting: the opening Presto [listen -- track 5, 1.55-2.45] and that brittle and crisp Minuet [listen -- track 7, 0.27-1.23] give robust sturdiness to performances that are well worth acquiring.

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Record Box is Music & Vision's regular series of shorter CD reviews