Customer Reviews

Mozart: Divertimenti

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There are many recordings of Mozart's K.136 to 138, also known as "Salzburg symphonies". For me, these works are special: Mozart's genius shines all through them. The melodic invention is rich; there are passages in counterpoint; the feeling is joyful at times, lyrical at other times, yet never superficial. I only know of two performances of K. 136-138 on period instruments: Koopman's, which is this one, and another one by the Drottningholm Court Theatre Orchestra, based on Sweden, which I have not had the opportunity to listen to.
Koopman has chosen to play these works with an orchestra, which means that there are many players per voice. Usually, K. 136-138 are played by a string quartett, that is, with one player per voice. Koopman's unusual choice of forces, however, produces a magnificent result. Despite the increased "weight" of the sound of the orchestra, this performance is energetic and lively. Koopman's tempos fit very well the music: it flows easily, with sparkling invention, with lyricism when required, and with energy when required.
If you do not know these works, you will love them, as well as this performance. If you already knew them played by a string quartett, you will probably re-discover them.

I just love this CD! It's simply wonderful with great playing with the excellent tone of the period instruments used and Koopman is just brilliant in leading the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, a truly incredible ensemble! I urge you to pick up their other CDs as well. This recording so vibrant and full of life and warmth and that's the way it should be for these Mozart works.