This 1989 Gardiner recording of Mendelssohn's Italian and Reformation symphonies promised to be more than the usual fare, if for no other reason than it offered the first recording of the 1834 revised version of the 4th symphony (mvts. II, III, and IV). Unfortunately, the revised version didn't provide so many differences, and in fact, seems rather weak in comparison to the more familiar edition.

Despite this, the clarity of the recording is commendable, and the musicianship wonderful (though I think he takes the first movement - sampled below - a little bit too fast). The Italian symphony is, of course, one of Mendelssohn's greatest acheivements. The Reformation doesn't come off as well.