Having been educated to believe Haydn was a 'courtly' composer, elegant if somewhat constrained in his musical paths and patronage, I was excited to listen to this CD set and to discover how these beliefs were readily challenged.

The symphonies 82-87 were composed for the recently formed Concert de la Loge Olympique of Paris. It was a large orchestra with forty violins and a dozen string basses. The recording reflects the larger orchestral form, with thrilling dynamics and gravitas throughout. It is easy to see how Mozart, then Beethoven, were able to pick up the compositional threads and develop them in new symphonic forms.

The performance is precise yet virile, full of emotion and bravura when required, and the sound recording supports this energy with it's detail and transparency. I also own the following set of symphonies 88-92 by the same orchestra, and note similar qualities present in those works.

How marvellous, after years of conventional conditioning by music teachers eager to subscribe to the myth of Haydn and his sedate symphonic form, to discover that the composer, in his later series at least, actually knew how to let rip.............with a vengeance!

This is a truly marvelous recording of the best quality. I bought all volumes, and have enjoyed every one of them to the outmost. Highly recommended to Haydn lovers.

Received the set right on time. Package was intact on arrival. I prefer purchasing classical music in CD form that way I have liner notes enclosed. Enjoyed the recordings and was not dissappointed. It was a wonder addition to my collection, it helped to fill a hole in my Haydn Symphony catalog.