Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Franz Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809) was the most prolific of all composers working within what we would call the classical tradition with more than 100 symphonies plus many sacred works. It is thus presumptuous for any critic to attempt to identify Haydn's best work. However, many would nominate his oratorio 'The Creation' of 1798 as an undoubted highlight which almost inevitably leads to 'The Seasons' being relegated to an after-thought. It is true that by 1801, when 'The Seasons' was first performed, Haydn was both old and tired. It is also true that the libretto by Baron Gottfried van Swieten after the poems of James Thomson are not as accomplished as his text for 'The Creation' and his imposition of a trio of peasant soloists seem intrusive. But nearly any composition by any composer would fall short of the glories of 'The Creation' and if we listen to this double CD without drawing comparisons we will find much to enjoy. Morten Schuldt-Jensen gets wonderful performances from his vocalists and the Leipziger Kammerorchester and the budget price of this release makes it outstanding value. It is not explicitly a Christian piece but Haydn's sincere faith rings out even in his secular music for those that have ears to hear.