Customer Reviews

Mozart: Die Entführung aus dem Serail / Kodalli · Groves · Rancatore · Rose · Atkinson · Tobias · SCO · Mackerras [2000 film "Mozart in Turkey"]

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

 

 

I thought, perhaps, I was too used to the Harnincourt version of Entfuhrung with its wonderful, brash and raucous take on the work to stray, but after spending an evening with this version, I might alternate between the two and do so gladly.

There's a wonderful time to be had here. The soloists are in great form and their knack for ensemble work is typically brilliant as it always seems to be under the baton of Charles Mackerras, who shines again. No, he gleams. Modern instruments, less script, lively tempi, ensemble finesse and sheer fun make this worth a listen. If there are flaws, they are too inconsequential to matter. (It is also well produced - super sound, very well balanced.)

I don't find myself chuckling or kicking up my heels as I do with the rousing, sharper-edged Harnincourt, but this is worth an evening- more than one.

This CD is strong, high energy performance of Mozart's second truly great opera. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is precise and powerful. All of the vocal performances are thrilling and on the mark, particularly Paul Grove's Belmonte.