The Haydn 2032 project of conductor is an ambitious undertaking, with plans to record all of the composer's symphonies by 2032. They are divided by theme rather than being plowed through chronologically, usually with relevant works by other composers added on. Here, the "extra" composer is himself, who revised a puppet-show overture into an alternate finale for one of the present symphonies. The , was given the nickname (" ") by someone other than , but it is accurate enough for the imposing, timpani-backed opening. In fact, all three of the works here make unusual use of the brass, and they are well suited to 's high-powered, large-orchestra approach. That approach is all to the good; there is no reason to think wouldn't have wanted as large an orchestra as he could get. It may diminish some of the humor in the slow movements, but it is not that is incapable of humor; sample the finale of the , which here is about as riotously deceptive as it has ever been. The works are recorded with all repeats, but they never grow tiring. A strong entry in 's ambitious series, this made classical best-seller lists in the late summer of 2023. ~ James Manheim