Haydn: Symphony No. 88 in G major

“If this coupling appeals, I can think of no reason to hesitate.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2009

“These fresh accounts of three popular Haydn works have punchy woodwind and nimble, muscular strings...If you've never believed in the powers of Haydn's seriously joyful oomph, try this.” The Observer, 6th December 2009

“To hear this great music played by an orchestra of the calibre of the Berlin Philharmonic is a rare treat indeed. These are all highly polished performances, with particularly delightful accounts of the rustic trios in the minuets of Nos 88 and 89.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2007 ****

“Rattle exudes the most dashing élan you could imagine. He tingles with meticulous devotion to his task. And he understands how to make Haydn’s music smile. The musical surprises in which Haydn took such delight cannot come as a surprise to Rattle, of course - and yet he gives that impression, with evident pleasure to boot. One can sense that he absolutely loves this music. Haydn is dear to his heart - and to his intellect too” Berliner Morgenpost, February 2007

“Rattle offers Haydn writ large, imposing in concept even in the relatively reserved No 89. The trumpet and timpani interjections in the otherwise hymning slow movement of No 88 are startlingly forceful. Strength of interpretative character and virtuoso playing are in abundance everywhere, no more so than in No 90 - horns ringing in C alto-that ends in a manic Allegro assai.” Gramophone Magazine, October 2007

“Recorded in modern stereo sound, Colin Davis and the magnificent Royal Concertgebouw are equally moving in the Largo (Haydn Symphony No. 89), keeping the music poised between hymn and celestial dance...With its warmth, exuberance and pungency of detail, this is a modern-instrument Haydn at its finest.” The Telegraph

“[The Dessau is] an intense distillation of Brecht’s art and achievement, rather than a simple memorial piece as such. [In the Mahler, Annelies Burmeister’s] contralto is finely controlled and richly burnished. She’s in good voice and proves a laudable exponent...“The recording quality captures both venues with real fidelity, offering a natural audience perspective shorn of spotlighting. It’s a well balanced disc into the bargain.” MusicWeb International, March 2012

“an enterprising programme … it’s fascinating to hear Dessau’s seldom-heard tribute to his friend Brecht” International Record Review, June 2012