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18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificent Mozart, February 3, 2004
This review is from: Mozart: 46 Symphonies - Berlin Philharmonic / Karl Böhm (Audio CD)
As a relatively recent collector of classical music, I had no idea that Karl Bohm had recorded all of Mozart's Symphonies. (In 1966 when this set was completed, 46 were acknowledged but recent scholarship has uncovered more material -- see Box Sets by Hogwood or Pinnock for those works.) Like many, I owned his DG Originals two-disc set of the last six Symphonies, but the only other Bohm Mozart recordings available domestically were either concerto or opera recordings. It wasn't until Amazon started carrying import titles from the Eloquence series that I realized he had recorded some of the earlier Symphonies as well. After further research I discovered the existence of this box set on a competing website, and I am now delighted that is also available on Amazon. This 10 disc set (in two large, clunky plastic jewel cases instead of a slim, paper sleeved box) is nothing short of spectacular. Bohm's vintage stereo recordings of the last six Symphonies are widely regarded as the best versions, and the care and precision with which he performs those is carried over to the earlier Symphonies as well. I currently own three other Mozart Cycles (Marriner/Krips, Pinnock and the out-of-print Leinsdorf) and have access to others via my dad's collection (Hogwood, Tate, and Marriner 21-41), not to mention the dozens of accounts of other Mozart Symphonies I own (Fricsay, Walter, Karajan, Bernstein, Klemperer, Kubelik, Wand, Szell, Giulini, Britten, etc.). While individual performances by others may be stronger, nothing compares to Bohm from start to finish. DG would be wise to make this set available in their "Collector's Edition" budget-line box set series. As is, the Bohm set is a steal even as a pricey import.
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Karl Bohm was one of the 5 top Mozart conductors of the late 20th century, August 18, 2005
This review is from: Mozart: 46 Symphonies - Berlin Philharmonic / Karl Böhm (Audio CD)
Karl Bohm was one of the five top Mozart conductors of the 2nd half of the 20th century, along with Thomas Beecham, Bruno Walter, Otto Klemperer, and George Szell. Bohm lived 1894-1981, and these recordings were made 1960-69; Symphonies 40 and 41 were recorded first, the earlier symphonies later in the 1960s. Bohm's experience as a Mozart expert is evident in his recordings of Mozart's operas COSI FAN TUTTE (Decca, DG); THE MAGIC FLUTE (Decca, DG); THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, DON GIOVANNI, IDOMENEO, THE IMPRESSARIO, THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS, and THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO (all DG), as well as numerous live performances of COSI, FIGARO, DON GIOVANNI, and ABDUCTION which have been preserved on various labels. No one can doubt Bohm's authority in Mozart, as his extensive discography proves.
Everywhere in this set Bohm's commitment to Mozart is evident, with a large orchestra, using rich, glowing strings and beautiful winds. Tempos aren't always on the fast side, but are never pokey. Bohm knows just how fast to take each movement for maximum effect. The Berlin Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world, could play these works in their sleep. Listening to this is like riding down the road in a large, well built Cadillac - you have a sense that everything is right, in balance, and just sit back and enjoy the beauty. Listeners looking for a thrill in fast tempos in the faster movements may be disappointed, but there is depth and gravity to Bohm's recordings, not a surface excitement that soon wears thin or goes away after repeated listenings.
Some critics believe this to be the best set of Mozart Symphonies available, yet it isn't sold through regular dealers in the US. Bohm's Mozart complete set has always sold well in England, and is imported from there or Germany. So, this set is of value to those who love Mozart played by a large orchestra. I bought this set (with a different number, same label) from an English supplier in 1993, and enjoy listening to it ever since.
Bohm doesn't take every repeat, if that is important to you. Symphony 34 has the optional Minuet added, yet IV of that piece doesn't take the repeat in either section. (I personally think the lst section needs the repeat). Symphony 26, a short work in 3 connected movements, might benefit from a faster tempo in III: Bohm is a little slow, but the Berlin Philharmonic strings are gorgeous. Symphonies 36, 38-41 are among the best recordings ever made of these works, and are sold as a separate set by DG, in their "Originals" series. I really cannot think of anything else to say, other than if you like Mozart and enjoy the sound of a large orchestra on your stereo, invest in this: you won't be sorry!
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18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Like a Treasure Chest of Gold, April 7, 2006
This review is from: Mozart: 46 Symphonies - Berlin Philharmonic / Karl Böhm (Audio CD)
After buying many CDs of Mozart's Symphonies by various orchestras and conductors, I reluctantly went for broke and bought this complete set by Karl Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic (having found Bohm and the Berlin Phil my favorite). What I discovered was that this boxed set contains 10 magnificent CDs. Outstanding. Superb. I ended up concluding that my purchase of this life's work, was dollar for dollar, the best thing I had ever purchased in my life. A treasure chest of gold for a tremendous value considering the Composer, Conductor and Orchestra. My absolute highest recommendation.
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