The recording of the complete symphonies of Joseph Haydn by the Heidelberg Sinfoniker under Thomas Fey continues with undiminished quality in their latest installment: vol. 19 contains the symphony no. 26 in D minor of 1768, better known under the nickname "La Lamentatione", together with no. 27 in G major from the ten years earlier and symphony no. 42 in D major from 1771 - a sunny, care-free score, inspired by the Italian opera buffa.

While played on modern instruments, these are historically informed performances, distinguished by crisp tempos and well-thought out cantilenas and with all her wit and charm and 'Sturm und Drang' that befits them. - Hänssler Classic

The present recording presents two of "Papa" Haydn's great late symphonies together with a rarity. Symphony No. 89 was composed during the interim following Haydn's triumphant tour in Paris and just prior to his conquest of London in 1791. The work reflects the influence of his young friend, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and is one of the rare examples of Haydn borrowing from himself; in this case, the second and fourth movements were repurposed from a Concerto for two Lire Organizzata. Symphony No. 102 is from the set of 12 masterworks that have come down to us as the "London" Symphonies. This symphony also includes a reworking of a previously written piece (the second movement is an orchestration of the second movement of the F sharp Minor piano trio). Our rarity is the Sinfonia Concertante in B flat Major, composed at the request of his friend, the English impresario Johann Peter Salomon - no doubt as a special treat for the London audiences who flocked to hear Haydn.

In 2011, Thomas Fey was nominated for a Grammy for his world premiere recordings of the music of Antonio Salieri. Every new release of Haydn symphonies from Thomas Fey and his ensemble is greeted with enthusiasm; truly, this is how Haydn should sound today. To bring this about, Fey's musicians bridge past and present, performing both on modern string instruments and replicas of authentic period woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

In 2011 Thomas Fey was nominated for a Grammy for his world premiere recordings of the music of Antonio Salieri. Every new release of Haydn symphonies from Thomas Fey and his ensemble is greeted with enthusiasm; truly this is how Haydn should sound today. To bring this about, Fey's musicians bridge past and present, performing both on modern string instruments and replicas of authentic period woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.

There is nothing immature about the earliest Haydn symphonies, which in style straddle the older Italian overture and Baroque musical world while simultaneously looking forward to exciting new melodic and rhythmic developments of the Classical era.