The Haydn Sinfonietta Wien has a delightful sound in the classical repertoire: obviously “period” in style, but with warm strings and fruity winds combining to create an appealing timbre that’s far more attractive than the harsh, draconian austerity typical of so many other of today’s ensembles. Manfred Huss has put together a terrific program of Schubert opera overtures…

The range of music that they contain is huge. Check out the stormy opening of Des Teufels Lustschloss…or the evocative horn calls that launch Der vierjährige Posten. Some of the music, such as the overture to Alfonso und Estrella, is relatively well known, but most of it will be completely new, making this disc an ideal way to plug a gap in your Schubert collection while at the same time acquiring some excellent…music by a major classical composer. BIS’s remastered sonics are excellent too. What could be better than that? © 2012 ClassicsToday.com Read complete review