Schubert"s early symphonies remain virtually unknown, and although derivative, they are delightful. The composer"s models for these works were, of course, Haydn and Mozart, and he proved an apt pupil. All of the gestures are familiar, the style classical, but even here there is a melodic breadth unique to Schubert. Because they aren"t all that popular or well-known, most performances come lumped together in complete symphony sets, meaning that it"s all or nothing. Berlin Classics has quite intelligently released them on individual discs so that you can get to know them at your leisure. Even better, they have Germany"s greatest orchestra and one of the best Schubert conductors around. The performances are just about perfect. --David Hurwitz