Customer Reviews

Mozart: Symphonies [Box Set]

5 star:		(2)
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As the liner notes suggest, Mozart's symphonies may not be as accomplished as his operas and piano concertos. They do, however, capture wonderfully his remarkable development. The early symphonies, in particular, provide an exhilarating document of the young composer's discovery of his passion for music.

And these beautifully-remastered recordings are magisterial, articulate, and soaring. Marriner clearly has an exceptional, intuitive understanding of these works and conducts The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields with remarkable restraint and control, demanding of his musicians perfection. At the same time, these performances are spirited and overflow with joy and elation. Marriner's tempi and dynamics seem perfect, capturing the compelling force of the more dramatic movements and giving the slow movements an exquisite, gossamer finish. Where he seems to take minor liberties, they are not intrusive or cloying, but rather stop you in your tracks and at times take your breath away.

And all of this from historically-informed performances? Indeed. In fact, as the first reviewer notes, this (paradoxically) lends the works incredible power. These recordings are inspired and moving. Each instrument is attentively mic'ed and never eclipsed by another. The sound quality is both airy and crisp.

Admittedly, I am not familiar with other complete sets of Mozart's symphonies, although the recordings I have heard of individual works are heavy in comparison and without Marriner's nuance. Highly recommended.

Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields always does a very creditable job of providing a realistic and crisp sound for listeners to absorb and enjoy. Personally, I have been playing this set in my office for a few weeks now and have received several complements from people who do not even fully appreciate classical music. What is it about Mozart that brings out the best in people?