Title : Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35-41
Author : Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus
Release Date : 19960123
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $23.98
Amazon.com Price : $18.95
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Editorial Reviews : Karl Bohm was one of this century's great Mozart conductors--a fact that's apt to be forgotten in the flood of authentic instrument productions, many of them on DG's associated labels. He conducted Mozart with real love and affection, maintaining moderate tempos, allowing each work's gorgeous melodies a chance to sing and breathe. Mozart's symphonic music has its roots in the opera house, and so did Bohm. Listening to the witty woodwind interjections in the finale of Symphony No. 39, for example, you can readily imagine the witty exchanges of different characters in one of Mozart's comic operas. These beautifully recorded versions of Mozart's greatest symphonies belong in the collection of every fan of the composer.
Buyer Reviews : Bohm's interpretations of Mozart's great symphonies, to quote the Penquin Guide 'have the air of inevitability.' Bohm may be the most perfect metronome that ever led an orchestra, but when it comes to Mozart a little flexiblity of tempo (rubato) can reveal more subtleties in the music. There is no question of the existence of power in Mozart's last symphonies and Bohm is no slacker here. There are however lighter moments throughout these works, and this is where Karajan, Britten, and even Szell surpass Bohm. A dedicated Mozart devotee will find kernels of delight and many revelations in all of these great conductor's recordings of these brilliant works, and will eventually come to own sets from several conductors. A person seeking to just fill out his collection of the basic repertoire may be better served (and even save a few dollars) with the Karajan set, but that is not to say this wouldn't be a good representative collection. If perfect tempo and full sound fill your cup of tea, this set will do you fine. If the lightness of the Mozart line, and the sweet humor of his genius are more to your taste I would recommend the Karajan set. If you like your hair to stand up on the back of your neck, Szell is then the engine to drive the orchestra to frenzied perfection. If you like a gentler Mozartian spring breeze, Britten's set will mist your eyes with delight. If you love Mozart with all your heart and soul, buy them all. I did.
