Hyperion Records

Symphony No 87 was probably the first in this set to be written, though since all six were composed over a relatively brief period of time there is little of significance to mark out one as being more advanced than another. That said, the opening movement of No 87 (no slow introduction this time) does display greater concision and textural transparency than its more complex neighbours. The Adagio makes much use of solo woodwind (flute, oboe and bassoon) and there is an extended solo for the oboe in the Minuet’s simple trio. A brisk rondo finale rounds off one of Haydn’s sunniest symphonies.

from notes by Matthew Rye © 1994