Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Theodor Guschlbauer, Vienna Symphony Orchestra :: Mozart: Flute & Harp Concertos KV 299 & 313

Not much Harp, despite the title. Still a must-have.

doovie@aol.com | Northampton, MA USA | 04/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jean-Pierre Rampal's rendering in this album is superb, but the title "Mozart: Concerto for flute & harp in C" is completely inaccurate. For those of us who are also fans of the harp, and in particular, the shining, albeit brief performance of the "Diva of the Harp", Lily Laskine will not disappoint. Yet harpist Laskine performs in only ONE of the THREE concerti, so one wonders with a genius of flute such as Rampal on ALL THREE pieces, why the rather misleading title? Rampal is at his best (as usual), but Rampal and Laskine are by no means equally paired. There is nothing inherently "bad" in this release's quality. This remains a very good album, but for those seeking a true duet of Lily Laskine and Jean-Pierre Rampal, there are a surprising number of superior releases readily available. Although you may feel that an equal pairing of Rampal and Laskine lacks much import, listening to only a few cuts with them *truly* together, will induce a thrill beyond expectation."