…the performances are strong, with Rilling's own measured pacing articulating the sizable structures of individual movements capably and pointing up many of the clever and effective touches Haydn includes to enliven familiar texts. Soloists in each instance form accurate and well-balanced quartets and the choirs are solid and neat. Haydn's sincere and unquestioning faith - he could say that when he thought of God, it made him feel cheerful - shines through.

…impressive indeed was Haydn's scoring of his last complete composition, the Harmoniemesse. Helmuth Rilling recognises its greatness, balancing the wind band (Harmonie) to make its presence felt, with trumpets and timpani prominently emphasising the dramatic thrust of the music. Yet the tender episodes are not underplayed. ..."Gratias agimus tibi"... has an ethereal beauty; and the pathos of "Et incarnatus est"... through to Christ's Crucifixion and burial, is most tactfully handled. This is an excellent interpretation...