performances already began to arrive in advance of the bicentennial of the composer's birth in 2024. Conductor has entered the competition with a symphony series at the helm of the , where he is chief conductor. is also the conductor of his own historical performance ensemble, , and while his is performed on modern instruments, there are more than traces of his specialty here in the . 's string section is medium-sized, his brass measured, and his textures transparent rather than hefty. Those enamored of the mighty readings by a or an may find this version underpowered, but by the same token, it is an encouraging bicentennial sign that can inspire divergent interpretations, and 's version is well worth hearing and comparing to others. Sample the very beginning, where makes the music into an analog to the opening of 's , a field of fragments out of which themes emerge. His treatment here is exceptionally subtle. His finale is also quite strong, with bits of the musical world, such as a polka, jumping out of the symphonic background; his sound is quieter, but he paradoxically creates a larger musical space. The responds well to and punches a bit above its weight. This is a promising kickoff to the rounds of recordings. ~ James Manheim