Hogwood's period-instrument credentials have worked to his advantage all through this series, and they pay particular dividends here. The timpanist's use of hard sticks, the clarity of the wind writing, the brass that cut through the string textures but never overwhelm, the lively tempos in the allegros, and the flowing, never soggy slow movements--all of these qualities manifest themselves at their finest in these performances. It may be that in some respects Neeme Järvi on BIS offers more animal high spirits, but Hogwood's combination of vivacity and finesse seems totally at one with the spirit of this finely crafted music. The Danish National Symphony clearly relishes his approach and plays this music as well as it can be. Gorgeous, natural sonics round out an absolutely irresistible package. [8/9/2003]