Haydn: Symphonies Vol 26 (Nos 41, 58 & 59 'Fire')

"This orchestra plays on modern instruments but observes historical performance practice. Its sparkling performances, under Helmut Muller-Bruhl, of three of Haydn's lesser-known symphonies can be highly recommended.

The first movement of No. 41, truly allegro con spirito, has the trumpets, high horns and drums in thrilling contrast to the lively strings and woodwind, and there is enchanting flute playing in the second movement. In all three works the unexpectedness of the modulations and the startling novelty of the scoring are characteristic of the composer's genius at its most playful. The strings-only Andante of No. 58 is a specially [sic] attractive movement, but the gem of the set is the No. 59, nicknamed 'Fire' probably because was used as incidental music for a play. This is Haydn at his most inventive and endearing."
- Michael Kennedy, Sunday Telegraph, 5/18/03