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50 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Replaces all other versions in my collection, December 15, 2000
This review is from: Mozart: The Symphonies [Box Set] (Audio CD)
When Sir Charles Mackerras aimed his sights at recording the complete Mozart Symphonies with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, critics were delighted at the results as the discs became available separately. The writer for the Penguin Guide commented that the playing and the technical aspects of the recordings were excellent, while pointing out that the pacing is more urgent in the earlier symphonies, more relaxed in the later ones. The Gramophone writer pronounced them "full of sparkle and precision." No, this is not an "original instrument" presentation, but Mackerras takes a loving view of his composer and most listeners will be quite satisfied with the results. Granted that other recordings might offer more "period style" here or more heaven-moving renditions there. However, this boxed set of 10 CDs has replaced in my collection all the miscellaneous recordings I have been lining up on the Mozart shelf; and (as Ko-Ko sings) "They never will be missed" as long as this Telarc set is there to be played. The only negative feature is that the time limitations of the CD necessitate that Symphonies No. 8 and 20 begin on one disc and end on the other. But having them in the correct order was quite a challenge for the producers and much to be appreciated.
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23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great sound, great music-making - Mackerras best Mozart, May 18, 2003
This review is from: Mozart: The Symphonies [Box Set] (Audio CD)
Mackerras has made some pretty amazing recordings these last years, from Beethoven's 9th to Mahler's 5th. This set has Mackerras conducting the Prague Chamber Orchestra, an ensemble that has definetely studied Mozart and studied him well. Most if not all the symphonies are first class but I have to point out the opening of the 25th and the finale of the 40th. I really rediscovered these pieces after hearing to these great recordings. The sound perfect as always with Telarc recordings. A must for all Mozart fans and a great alternative to the celebrated Hogwood set on L'Oiseau Lyre (Decca).
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply Perfect, September 12, 2007
This review is from: Mozart: The Symphonies [Box Set] (Audio CD)
This set, like the music played, is simply perfect. Every instrument in the orcehstra can be heard as a distinct voice -- this is partly a function of the wonderful sound quality on these discs, but more importantly it's a function of the razor sharp playing of the performers. And Mackerras makes the music dance and sing and soar like (I believe) Mozart's music always should. Everything about this set is just right. I've compared it carefully to Pinnok/English Concert and to ter Linden/Mozart Akademie, Amsterdam (both also excellent) and the Mackerras set is just that much better in every way. Listening to these performances is like listening to this glorious music for the very first time, and you couldn't possibly wish for a better treat than that. I can't recommend this set highly enough.
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