The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment do not have a regular conductor of their own, and have not developed the kind of corporate character that most of our period-instrument orchestras possess. But they are an efficient and euphonious group, and under Sigiswald Kuijken, who has directed them as much as anyone, they play in lively fashion on this record. Rhythms are spirited attack is precise, and the performances are bright and vital. Symphony No. 82 is to my mind the best of these three works and it comes off particularly well. The first movement is brisk but not rushed, its accents neatly placed, the counterpoint in the development cool and clear, and the triple rhythm helps to give it a strong momentum. There is some sweet string tone (just a hint of vibrato warmth here and there) in the Allegretto, I liked the prominent viola line at the end of the main theme and the graceful staccato playing in the minore variation. The finale is amply vivacious and its contrapuntal development has a splendid stride.
There are sturdy rhythms, too, in the first movement of La Poule, and this movement in particular seems to benefit from the prominence of the woodwind in the orchestral balance. It is a pity that a wrong note can be heard resonating in the pause at bar 145. I was glad (and slightly surprised) to find that Kuijken takes the slow movement here at a true slow tempo, this isn't a profound movement but it does need space to make its expressive points and to allow the strings to play with due eloquence. The Minuet, however is distinctly quick and, I thought, wanting in poise, doesn't Haydn's allegretto marking imply a slightly slower pace than usual? The same applies to No. 84, where Kuijken allows ample time in the Andante but is speedy in the allegretto minuet. This is not, in fact, one of Haydn's most distinguished late symphonies and on the whole it fares very well—there is a fine rhythm to the first movement Allegro, and some pleasantly crisp orchestral playing, while the finale is delightfully alert and sharply accented. The recording is deddedly on the resonant side—several times a quiet passage following a loud one gets covered up but otherwise this disc can be firmly recommended.'