Customer Reviews

Cecilia Bartoli, Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Mozart / Cecilia sing Mozart Arias, Symphony 38 "Prague"

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This is a magnificent DVD

This all Mozart concert was recorded live in Graz, Austria and features mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt with the Concentus Musicus Wien.

The first half of the disc features Bartoli singing some of Mozart's lesser know arias. Songs that were intended to replace arias in some of his or other opera writers works. This was sometimes done to feature a particular singer whose voice was not suited to the original work. My favorite piece by Bartoli is the lilting 3/4 time "Un moto di gioia mi I sento" ( intended to be used in "Le Nozze di Figaro")

The second half of the concert is Mozart's Symphony #38 "Prague". This, I believe, is the only DVD recording of this work and is played beautifully by the orchestra. The third movement is truly outstanding.

However, as beautiful as Bartoli sings and as expressively as Harnoncourt conducts, the truly outstanding individual talents shown on this DVD are really brought together by the director, Brian Large; his expertise has resulted in a product of superior quality . The great camera work and film editing has captured many appealing, animated moments by both performers. (especially of Harnoncourt directing the "Prague") Also, the switching of the cameras to the proper instrument is done with impeccable timing and great effect.

In addition to the DVD, there is an informative booklet that goes to some length to explain the reason some of these aria were written, and as well, gives some insight as to what was going on in Mozart's life at the time. Also, there is an extra segment on this disc which documents how much time and work was involved with setting up the lights, cameras and stage for the filming of this live recording.

The DVD has a good menu and you can select which scene you wish to watch: The only niggling complaint would be that the only subtitle language choice is that of English. I must admit, once I get familiar with a work, I like to follow it in the language it is sung in. ( in this case Italian)

All in all, a classical DVD of the highest quality. Highly recommended.

Gorgeous setting, lovely music, expert conducting, flawless singing. It's nice to see a Bartoli slightly more spirited than in her "Live in Italy" DVD but less frenetic than in "Viva Vivaldi".

I haven't got this thing. Just putting out a request for someone who has it to tell us exactly what Mozart arias are included? Bartoli has a very wide vocal range, so the possibility is endless. I'd go for this if it has 'Ch'io mi scordi di te/Non tamer amato bene', for example. But without knowing what is included... maybe not.

Aha! Courtesy of JohnL who kindly posted the tracks in my comment session, the tracks are:
1) K.217 - Aria "Voi avete un cor fedele"
2) K.583 - Aria "Vado, ma dove? Oh Dei!"... Mozart composed this for revival of opera by Spanish composer Martin y Soler. Very nice, Mozart adding dual clarinets to the mix.
3) K.577 - "Al desio di chi t'adora"
4) K.579 - "Un moto di giola mi sento"... both K.577 and 579 were composed as substitution arias for the highly successful revival of "Le nozze di Figaro" performed in Vienna, which opened there on 29 August 1789. K.577 has wonderful woodwind writing, using pairs of bassoons, horns, and basset horns. K.579 uses flute, oboe, and bassoon for accompaniment.
5) K.528 - "Bella mia fiamma, addio" (12 mins, 52 secs)..this extremely challenging aria composed for Bohemian soprano Josepha Duschek (or Dusek).
6) K.504 - Symphony No.38 in D Major.

Thanks very much again, John. Think I'll get this DVD after all (will update the 'review' once I've watched it).