If you enjoy fluent, finely crafted classical period symphonies then this well-played, well-recorded disc is for you. Kozeluch was one of a constellation of Czech symphonies active in eighteenth-century Vienna. His Bohemian roots show in his music’s innate tunefulness, as well as his free use of woodwind instruments. The only thing lacking is that flash of genius, those moments of the unexpected that make Haydn so memorable.

The four works here are nicely varied. The Symphony in C major (No. 6) includes trumpets and timpani. That in G minor has three movements; all of the others have four. Two works, the D major and C major symphonies, begin with impressive slow introductions. Development sections are fully worked out, and the slow movements really sing. Marek Stilic leads lively, smartly paced performances, and gets fine playing from the ensemble. This is music well worth getting to know, and I look forward to further releases in the series.

– ClassicsToday (David Hurwitz)