These are lovely, smiling, vibrant performances of two of Haydn's best. While listening to them, you are unlikely to wish to be listening to others. The sound is up to Decca's (and HDTT"S) usual standards.

Excuse me, my english is terrific. Pierre Monteux and the Wiener Philharmoniker : very excellent

Despite the era (1960) this is no sluggish Big-band Haydn - Monteux's reading is lithe, alert, transparent and exhilarating, matched with superb playing from the VPO. Plus the Decca- recorded Living Stereo is a model of clear, unfussy recording; this is a paradigm of how to mike small classical recordings in a superb acoustic. The result is unalloyed bliss. Buy it!

This gem has been available in one form or or another since its release in the late 50's or maybe very early 60's. This is a miracle of sixth sense unanimity and mutual delight between conductor, orchestra and composer. According to his biography, Monteux' relationship with the VPO had its artistic ups and downs, but this early collaboration is one for the ages. No, even a stripped down Vienna Philharmonic (led by the incomparable Willi Boskovsky), didn't and couldn't sound remotely like an "authentic" period instrument ensemble. But, under the Maitre's knowing guidance, everything in these masterpieces is alive as in no other performance on records. Most notable, especially for the time, is the pert quaisi allegretto second movement of the "Clock," This transfer cleans the sound up as never before, allowing one to relish every felicity in the inner parts, particulaly the second violins, which Monteux always sat on the right. Enough!!, Get this, put on your best headphones and prepare for time to stand still.