1) This touching instrumental movement is from Bach’s cantata “Himmelskönig, sei wilkommen” and dates from our seminal recording ABC sessions in the first years of the orchestra’s history.

2) 3 violins, 3 violas, 3 cellos, and continuo with double-bass. What more do you need? The perennial favourite: Brandenburg 3.

3) The introduction music to our podcasts! Here is the perfectly constructed and joyous Chaconne for a Chinese Man and Woman from Purcell’s Fairy Queen.

4-5) Pairs of menuets and tambourins from Rameau’s Dardanus. It proves why Rameau was one of the best composers for dance. He is able to create asymmetry in symmetry.

6) The mighty overture to Messiah, from our filmed version done all the way back in 2002. This is still a stellar recording with some glorious singing and playing.

7) The beautiful chaconne from Castor & Pollux. There is something at once so playful and hopeful in this varied dance.

8) The graceful and poised variations for mandolin by a young and extremely able Hummel, fresh from his lessons with Mozart.

9) And to conclude: the final gigue-like and effervescent movement of Brandenburg 3!