Orchestra Of The 18th Century, Frans Brüggen - Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 88 & 89, Sinfonia Concertante (2000)

Frans Brüggen's acclaimed Haydn recordings continue with this coupling of the famous Symphony No. 88 with two works that rival it in quality, if not in popularity. Brüggen's historically informed performances go beyond strict adherence to the notes and to a supposed objectivity to include a large dose of welcome personality. Thus, the orchestra eschews the whiny, shrill violins of so many specialist bands; solos are imbued with warmth and freedom; and slow movements, such as the Largo of No. 88, are done with a measured tempo and a welcome degree of weight. Contrasts between the soloists in the Sinfonia Concertante and the full orchestra are surely drawn, and the piece's charm shines brightly. Brüggen's success in Haydn, as in most of his recorded repertory, is surely due to his ability to reconcile "authenticity" with musicality, a winning combination that makes this disc so desirable. -- Dan Davis