This week Classical reviewer Geoff Adams listens to 3 of Joseph Haydn's compositions played by the Finnish orchestra, and a selection of Joseph Rheinberger's violin and organ pieces.
Led by Patrick Gallois, the French conductor (and flautist), the Finnish orchestra obviously enjoys capably playing three of Joseph Haydn's 104 symphonies - volume 33 in Naxos' praiseworthy project.
It opens with No 25 in C major which is rarely recorded and unusual in lacking a slow movement - progressing from an adagio-allegro to a menuet and final presto.
Symphony No 42 in D has the usual four movements and is one of the composer's finest middle-period symphonies. It has compelling themes and fine development.
No 65 in A ends the recital; it is believed to have been composed as incidental music for a dramatic work.
Haydn, who is known as the "father" of the symphony, here shows his wit and invention - ending with a final presto in which horns are suitably prominent.
Highlight: Spirited, nicely harmonious 18th-century music.
Joseph Rheinberger (1839-1901) is remembered for demanding organ works, yet this unusual combination as a duo is effective and well worth hearing.
Six Pieces moves from majestic overture through pastorale and gigue, to melancholic elegie, then ends with a theme and variations.
It lacks any unifying theme. The Op.166 Suite is more logical in structure and key progressions.
Opening with a baroque-influenced prelude, it finishes with a virtuosic moto perpetuo making demands on the stamina of the violinist.
Two talented Danish women play this rare repertoire: Line Most, a graduate of the Carl Nielsen Academy in Odense, and Marie Ziener, from the Royal Danish Academy.
It was recorded in a Copenhagen church in 2000.
Highlight: Good balance between pipe organ and violin (never swamped).
