Search - Luigi Boccherini, Raymond Leppard, New Philharmonic Orchestra :: Boccherini: Symphonies Opus 12

A real gem (and still in print!) . . .

Johnny Bard | Orlando, FL | 02/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This Philips 2-disc set featuring Boccherini's Op. 12 (6 symphonies) is simply wonderful. Raymond Leppard conducted the New Philharmonia Orchestra for these recordings (made in 1972). Philips, as usual, has done an admirable job remastering these analog recordings (the sound is crisp, clean, and full). These two discs, like the composer's works in general, have held up extremely well over time. Luigi Boccherini remains an underrated 18th century composer. Perhaps he will always remain so, given his competition during this rich musical period. Compared with Mozart or Haydn, Boccherini didn't write very many symphonies (only 26, compared with 50-plus for Mozart and over 100 for Haydn). Yet the six symphonies on this Philips release are outstanding. True, elements of Boccherini's Op. 6 are reminiscent of symphonies written by Mozart, Haydn, and C.P.E. Bach, but they are never derivative. Boccherini's compositions flow effortlessly from one movement to the next. They are fluid yet substantive, energetic yet balanced. Leppard infuses in each symphony a sense of passion that permeates through all six compositions. Mozart and Haydn have certainly left their mark on the 18th century musical landscape. It's a shame that Boccherini tends to be overlooked (both by the public and the recording industry). There are literally only a handful of recordings still available that feature Boccherini's works for cello, string quartets, and orchestra. Fortunately, this one is still in print (but for how long?), and I strongly encourage anyone interested in Mozart and Haydn to give these discs a try. Their price is affordable, the conducter accomplished, and the symphonies charming (yet never shallow)."