The Seasons was Haydn's followup to his successful The Creation. In four parts, each musically depicting a season, it offers plentiful opportunities for all the participants to shine and conductor Jacobs, his splendid orchestra and chorus, and three outstanding soloists deliver a committed performance that's a delight from the first note to the last. Jacobs is known for his gutsy interpretations and this set is no exception; tempos are lively, the few passages of second-drawer Haydn (still preferable to most composer's top-drawer stuff) retain interest, and the period orchestra delivers crisp, lively playing. Haydn's genius transforms many genre scenes: a summer storm, hunting episodes, daybreak, the gloomy winter fog, peasant dances, and imitations of nature, like frog croaks that will bring a smile to your face. Special kudos for the RIAS singers, who bring a finely blended sound and colorful word painting to the choral numbers. Güra's mellifluous tenor makes his solos a joy, but Petersen's light soprano and Henschel's firm baritone are as effective. This is The Seasons to get if you're having only one. --Dan Davis