Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) is one of the most well loved composers of his era, his works ranging from small miniatures to the larger scale symphonic works, some of which were composed at the tender age of 25. The four rarely performed symphonies included in this recording date from an early period of Haydn’s career, around the first years of his employment with the Esterházy family. They show Haydn experimenting with a newly developing form. The Toronto Camerata and Kevin Mallon have been praised for their interpretations of Handel and Vivaldi, their latest recordings described as `spirited and stylish´ by The Evening Standard on 8.660165-67, and `exhilarating´ by The Observer on 8557764.