London Mozart Players, Matthias Bamert - Vanhal: Symphonies (1998) CD-Rip

The music of Johann Vanhal (1739-1813) has been rediscovered by Chandos and Naxos, and what a rediscovery. This Czech composer was a friend of Mozart, Dittersdorf and Haydn- in Vienna- and they played quartets together- what a combination!!
Shades of Haydn and Mozart are apparent here,but in his 80 or so Symphonies,Vanhal largely remains original.Of particular interest is the Menuetto in his Symphony in G minor,in which the oboe plays a solo with the strings. It is a very tender and exquisite moment, to be savoured.In some ways it suggests the slow movements of the later Mozart Piano Concertos.
I regard The London Mozart Players and The Prague Chamber Orchestra as the two best in the world, and The London Mozart Players shine in this recording.Their connection is so good that the music is allowed to express itself on its own merits.
Sound production here is superb- I can't imagine a Classical Music collection being without this disc. I give it the highest recommendation.