Reviewed by Simon Carpenter

A thoroughly enjoyable performance of three of Haydn's lesser known works. Although he produced an impressive number of masterpieces during his working life and is generally credited as possessing an "inexhaustible inventive flair", Haydn has never captured the popular imagination as have, say, Beethoven and Mozart. Perhaps this is due to the fact that for 30 years (1761-1791) he was based in isolated seclusion 30 miles from Vienna working at the court of the wealthy Esterhazy family. "There was no one near to confuse me, so I was forced to become original," he later said. And there is certainly much exciting and original music in this recording. The beautiful duet between the organ and the soprano soloist in the Missa Brevis In B Flat Major is memorable and is responsible for the work's nickname of "Little Organ Solo Mass", but there are many other great moments to savour on this disc. Definitely recommended.

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