Perhaps the most surprising feature of these performances is the sheer weight of the sound; yet somehow this 'big orchestra' approach is very suitable for these large-scale serenades. Balance in the 'Posthorn' is immaculate -- in particular, the woodwind detail is in the sharpest of focus; timpani, although warmer than the equivalent 18th-century instruments would have sounded, are nevertheless well balanced. Ferdinand Leitner was a notably straightforward and unfussy conductor and his tempos -- generally moderate and sensible -- allow the music to sweep forward while still leaving room for expressive phrasing within the overall flow. Minuets are especially strong and ideally dance-like. Full marks for the spacious ambience surrounding the famous posthorn solo in the second trio of the second minuet . . . this is a rewarding performance . . . I have to admire the spaciousness and naturalness of these old recordings.