Jan Vogler, Ludwig Guttler, Virtuosi Saxoniae - Haydn: Cello Concertos, Nos. 1-3 (2001)

Berlin Classics' 2000 recording of Jan Vogler performing Haydn's cello concertos with Ludwig Güttler and the Virtuosi Saxoniae was first released in 2001 and reappeared in 2009 with a different cover and a lower price, but otherwise unchanged. Vogler's performances are bright and alert, with vivacious allegros and soulful adagios; Güttler's accompaniments are sweet and simpatico; the Virtuosi Saxoniae players live up to their name, and Berlin Classics' digital sound is clear, yet evocative. There are many other performances of these standard-repertoire works by the greatest cellists ever to hold a bow, and longtime cello fans are likely to already have one or more recordings of them. But for a listener looking for another at a mid-price, Vogler's is unlikely to disappoint.