Haydn’s Stabat Mater was written in 1767 – at a time when Pergolesi’s masterpiece of the same name was being performed regularly. Haydn’s composition was highly praised by the composer Hasse, who was very influential at the time.

The Libera was only discovered in the 1960’s – it is thought to have been written between 1782 and 1790. No other recording is currently available according to the Muze/ Gramophone Classical Catalogue.

Both of these recordings date from 1978. The Symphony and Concerto included in this release were recorded in 1964, and it is believed that all four are released here on CD for the first time, and are available in timely fashion to mark the 200th anniversary of Haydn’s death.