Sir Neville Mariner leads the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields in Rossini's complete Sonate a Quattro. Written when the composer was only 12, these pieces reveal the young Rossini's fondness for Mozart and Haydn. Usually scored for two violins, cello and double bass, the works are often transcribed for string orchestra. Their purity, early classicism and innate virtuosity are beautifully displayed in these performances.