The first release on AAM Records, the new label of the Academy of Ancient Music - recently described as 'the finest period-instrument orchestra in the world' by Classic FM (UK) 'Birth of the symphony: Handel to Haydn' explores the development of the symphony in the eighteenth century, surveying groundbreaking musical advances across Europe the recording includes brilliant and rarely-heard works by composers of the avant-garde 'Mannheim school', Richter and Stamitz, as well as Haydn's mature 'La passione' symphony Supplementary materials available online include a documentary film featuring AAM musicians discussing and performing these symphonies.