Classical CD: Freiburger Barockorchester

Haydn Symphonies 6-8, Harmonia Mundi

Sensational under Nicholas McGegan in Handel's Ariodante and Giustino, smooth and assured under Rene Jacobs in Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, Freiburg Baroque now dazzle, soothe and delight the listener in this breathtakingly beautiful, self-directed recording of Haydn's three "Tageszeiten" symphonies Le matin, Le midi and Le soir. With ravishing woodwind and string solos from within the orchestra, moods that range from chaotic exuberance to utter peace, and textures encompassing the chewy, the grainy, the silken and the transparent, this is the kind of virtuosic ensemble playing that alters one's concept of period style and sets a new standard of interpretation and expressivity for authentic instruments. As radiant, sensual and radical a reading of early Haydn as Les Arts Florissant's transformative 1995 account of Handel's Concerti Grossi. Don't even hestitate. This is a true must-have.