Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Mozart Symphonies 38 Through 41
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CD Details
Artist: Scottish Chamber OrchestraOrchestra: Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Performer: Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conductor: Sir Charles Mackerras
Edition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
Format: Hybrid SACD - DSD, Import
CD Release Date: 2008-03-04
Music Label: Linn Records
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
- Symphony No 38 in D major (Prague), K.504
- Symphony No 39 in E flat major, K.543
- Symphony No 40 in G minor, K.550
- Symphony No 41 in C major (Jupiter), K.551
Music reviews of Mozart Symphonies 38 Through 41
Music Review: Excellent interpretations in demonstration sound
Rating: 5 Stars
I've enjoyed Mackerras' mozart for a while now, having owned and enjoyed his Mozart symphony cycle with the Prague Chamber Orchestra for some time. One of my problems with that set was the somewhat disappointing, bottom-heavy sound, which I found robbed the music of its inherently songful quality. Still, I liked his interpretations, which offered a fresh, historically-informed view on Mozart using modern instruments. Here Mackerras has revised his approach, still using modern strings and winds, but period brass. Intriguing. So when I finally acquired an SACD player, I looked forward to hearing him again in improved sound. I was not disappointed.
I'd largely say Mackerras has improved upon his earlier versions of these symphonies, benefitting from superior recorded sound and execution from his Scottish forces. Tempi are still quick - this is driven Mozart that in many ways harkens back to Leinsdorf and Szell, while simultaneously looking forward - but he's learned to take a breath now and then. He still takes the slow introduction of No. 39 a little fast for my taste, but I find just about everything else here to be very musical and idiomatic. I would add that the period brass is a bit more forward mic'd, and it often adds excitement. Quite simply, there's not a dud in the bunch. I wouldn't say they're the best of the best - I've heard versions by conductors as varied as Bohm, Kubelik, Szell, Walter, Maag, Fricsay, Reiner and Klemperer which I'd rate higher, but everything here is consistently good across the board, and is superior sonically to any of the aforementioned recordings. Mackerras also takes all of the repeats, for those that care.
But onto the item that made this disc a real winner for me: the sound. If you happen to have an SACD player, this disc is an absolute must-have. In multichannel surround, it will quite literally knock your socks off. The double-basses, kettle drums, all that stuff that gets muddy on CDs? It's up front and in your face, prominent and defined like I've never heard before outside of a concert hall. You are unlikely to hear greater detail in the fugal finale of the Jupiter anywhere else, and the format really allows one to fully appreciate Mozart's total mastery of harmony and counterpoint in these, the crown jewels of his symphonic output. I've also listened to the standard CD layer, and I'm happy to report that the sound is still outstanding. I'll be keeping my eye out for Linn discs in the future, as this is one of the very best sounding SACDs I own. I'd also add that the packaging is fine, no crummy paper sleeves, and includes detailed and informative liner notes.
In short: this is a great disc, deserving of the many awards and accolades heaped on it. A strong recommendation from me, especially folks who have an SACD player at their disposal.
Description of Mozart Symphonies 38 Through 41
Winner Critics' Award 2009 - Classical BRIT AwardsWinner Disc of the Year Award 2009 - BBC Music Awards
Winner Orchestral Award 2009 - BBC Music Awards
Winner Album of the Year 2008 - Le Monde de la Musique Choc de l'annee Awards
Orchestral Disc of the Month - BBC Music Magazine
G Star - Recommended - Gramophone
Album of the Year (Symphonic Works) Winner - Midem Classical Awards 2009
Publisher's Choice Recording Winner - StereoMojo Awards 2009
Blue Moon Award - 6moons.com
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