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This 1984 BBC series, of which this is the first installment (later episodes trace the symphonic genre through to Shostakovich), was intended to provide new listeners of classical music with a bit of historical background along with the music. The remarkably facile Andre Previn ably performs double duty as host and conductor, introducing the compositions in the easygoing, unprepossessing manner that has made him so popular a performer, composer, and personality. His brief statements are adequate for what they are, albeit of no greater depth or insight than a particularly well-written album liner note. If the inspiration for this series was the many fine, informative programs Leonard Bernstein hosted for television over the years, it must be admitted that when it comes to educating an audience, Previn is no Bernstein; but the simplicity of the lectures are superbly compensated by the glorious music making, which of course is the whole point. Following a brief rundown of the state of music making in the early 18th century, illustrated with simple drawings and a charmingly tacky paper-cutout diorama, Previn leads the Royal Philharmonic in a delicate, unrushed performance of Haydn's Symphony No. 87; the Adagio is especially fine--Previn is sensitive to the hushed tenderness of this lovely movement. A more autobiographical introduction prefaces Mozart's dramatic Symphony No. 39, quite appropriate given the relative excitement in the two great composers' lives. Again, the musical performance is worth any wait. The opening movement's buildup to the Allegro is driving but unforced; the Andante's elegant flow and tempestuous upheavals are both perfectly realized. Forget the spoken intros--everything Previn has to say about these masterpieces is eloquently expressed in their playing. --Bruce Reid
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