Paris Symphonies
Haydn's large-scale "Paris" Symphonies have had many fine performances on CD, both singly and in sets, including Leonard Bernstein's vigorous version for Sony. But Harnoncourt's is as good as any and better, far better, than virtually all the competition. His interpretations dance with energy and pointed rhythms, teem with details often left unheard elsewhere, and display tempos that always seem inevitable and right. He exploits Haydn's humor to great effect in the finale of the "Poule" Symphony (No. 83) and brings out the ingenuity and variety of Haydn's fertile imagination. Harnoncourt also observes all repeats, which add to the stature of the works by expanding their size, scope, and grandeur. Not least among the set's many attractions is the playing of the Concentus Musicus Wien, worlds away from their raw-sounding early explorations of the Baroque. Here, their polished playing is full of marvelous wind solos, brilliant brass, and cutting horns to go with the fine strings. Haydn would have loved this set!--Dan Davis