In a better world, there would be as many recordings of Haydn's three "Le Matin" symphonies as there are of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. In a finer world, classical radio listeners would rise to "The Morning," sing with "The Noon," dance with "The Evening," and thrill to "The Tempest" at the end of the day. But in this world, that world, or any other world, there could be few better or finer recordings of Haydn's three "Le Matin" symphonies than this 2004 recording by
Martin Haselbock and the
Wiener Akademie. Vienna's own early instrument orchestra, the
Wiener Akademie cannot help but be Viennese. Despite flat necks and cat gut strings, the musicians cannot help but play with the kind of affection and tenderness that Viennese string players are famous for. Under the firm but generous leadership of
Martin Haselbock, the
Wiener Akademie creates performances that capture all the wit, the warmth, and the brilliance of Haydn's "Le Matin" symphonies. Arts' digital sound is lush and resonant.