Symphonies 91 and 92 "Oxford"

There is hardly a symphony by Joseph Haydn that fails to please, especially when performed by a brilliant orchestra. This is absolutely true for the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra’s 2005 Harmonia Mundi recording of symphonies 91 and 92. Directed by the inimitable Rene Jacobs, the performances are incredibly beautiful and filled with a commanding energy.

Nocturnes for the King of Naples

Before discovering Mozzafiato and L’Archibudelli's recording of Haydn nocturnes, I was unaware that the pieces existed. Composed by Haydn in the mid-1780s on a commission from King Ferdinand IV of Naples, the pieces bring together winds and strings in the most ingenious ways. The ensembles’ performance is precise and excellently delivered.