Customer Reviews

Krips Conducts Mozart [Box Set]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finding these symphonies collected, remastered, and at value price- not to mention back in print- is truly exciting. Krips proves himself a energetic and thoughtful Mozartian, and the Concertgebouw Orchestra (especially the strings- what a lush and layered sound. Wow!) is nothing short of amazing. These symphonies were recorded over different sessions in '72 and '73, but the transfers are warm, vital, and really generously show the depth of this great orchestra. A friend turned me on to Krips' work just recently, and I must say that this set must share some space on the shelf with some of the greatest recorded Mozart symphonies I have heard. A treasure!

Mozart (or Haydn) must not be given up to period specialists. Symphony orchestras more and more tend toward a niche program of exclusively romantic and post-romantic repertoire: from Beethoven to Sibelius and everything in between, with extra stops at Mahler and Shostakovich.


But baroque music and increasingly classical period music as well are left to the devices of specialized performance groups - usually those that offer some form of Historically Informed Performance Practice (HIP).


The proliferation of original instrument - and modern instrument HIP - groups is a boon to music. But if their prominence in Monteverdi, Marais, and even Mozart comes at the expense of important composers and periods being part of the repertoire of `regular' symphony orchestras, then alarm bells should ring for two reasons.


Sure, Mozart and Haydn and Bach sound different when a large symphonic orchestra (even with reduced forces) is at work. But that isn't bad at all, it's desirable diversity. HIP is to add to our enjoyment by offering comparison and choice - not by replacing the way we've heard this music for so long.


To illustrate the high quality of music-making that can result from this approach (one we might run the danger of losing), nothing serves better than Josef Krips' recordings of the Mozart Symphonies with the Concertgebouw Orchestra from 1972 and 73. This is Classical Music at its very finest. You won't find Mozart anywhere else that is played with such lightness, radiating joy, and so being the epitome of musical tip-toeing. Yes, it sounds very different - luxuriously so - than Mozart coming from smaller, HIP groups, but not heavier per se, nor swooningly romantic.


Krips covers symphonies 21 to 41 and they are finally available separately again after having long shared box-set space with the unnecessary Neville Marriner-conducted early symphonies. Even with the excellent, moderately HIP Charles Mackerras / Prague set (Teldec) available, Krips should still be the first choice of any collection's allotment for Mozart symphonies.

(from Classical WETA)

If there ever was a set that deserved five stars, this is it. It's the best Mozart around bar none. Until I discovered these recordings Mozart didn't even figure very prominently in my playlist (which is much more geared towards 20th century repertoire). But, frankly, this is 'desert island' stuff. As a septuagenarian, shortly before his death, Krips was able to infuse this music with extraordinary vitality and warmth. The Concertgebouw Orchestra play with supreme command, sparklingly, lithely, wholeheartedly, like a band of friends. Ideological battles between period and old style performances simply evaporate in the face of such exalted, timeless music making. The Decca transfers, dating from the early seventies, are simply wonderful. Despite the wizardry of today's high-resolution recordings, this level of engineering has never been surpassed. Obviously, this set deserves the strongest recommendation.

Despite their recording age these recordings are marvellously clear, precise and buoyant. I had some of them on vinyl; now long gone so it was a particular pleasure to replace them, together with symphonies I did not previously possess.

Father Philip Miller
South Africa

Josef Krips proves himself to be a fine Mozartian in this excellent cycle recorded in 1972-73 with the Concertgebouw. IMHO these recordings are as good as Bohm's more famous recordings Mozart: Symphonien Nos. 35-41 and not that far behind those of Walter's mono recordings from the early 1950's and any of those by Szell. There is no romantic interpretation to be found here, just straight-up classic period Mozart. In fact, Krips' pace is quite similar to that of Walter, which is more relaxed than Szell (perhaps the greatest Mozart conductor to date), but still enjoyable. The playing of the wonderful Concertgebouw is also ideal (especially the strings) for Mozart. No matter how many other Mozart symphonies you own, your collection is somewhat lacking without this set. Those purchasing their first Mozart symphonies won't be disappointed with this set, but may be more comfortable with Szell or Bohm.