The gaps in the list of Haydn symphonies available on CD are gradually being filled, and this highly enjoyable new issue from Jane Glover and the London Mozart Players in lively form adds two more. As one of the ''Paris'' Symphonies, No. 87 is already listed (probably the first of the six written, though the last-placed in the group), but neither No. 80 nor No. 89 has so far appaeared on CD. With strong and energetic performances—bringing out the toughness rather than the elegance of the writing—this is a generous and attractive coupling.
Symphony No. 80 in D minor begins as though this is a throwback to Haydn's Sturm und Drang period, and then magically at the end of the exposition in the briefest of second subjects grimness evaporates, and Haydn gives a winning smile, as though to say 'I fooled you'. The other movements are memorable too, including a lovely Adagio with a big, bold middle section, and a fascinating finale which starts on a stuttering motif in the major key, which is hardly a theme at all, but explodes exuberantly. Symphony No. 89 too ends in bluff jollity with a dance-like movement, which brings delicious strascinando (''dragging'') passages, where the music hesitates for a moment before launching into the main theme. Glover and the LMP give them tremendous zest. I love the jauntiness of the first movement too, with the bassoon solos cleanly placed, even though the recorded sound is comfortable and warm rather than sharply analytical. No. 87 makes an excellent companion, not as well known as the other ''Paris'' Symphonies, but just as delightful with strong, bold unisons at the start, a lyrical Adagio with lovely flute and oboe solos and a lighthearted carefree finale. After period performances of Haydn these may seem less than ideally transparent in texture, but under Jane Glover the vitality of the LMP is very winning.'