Search - Mozart :: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35, 36, 38 - 41

Karajan's best Mozart, in excellent sound

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/26/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unless Karajan's big-band Mozart is anathema to you, these are warm, beautifully executed readings. The 1970 analog sound from EMI is natural and without any noticeable digital flaws--there's no need to buy the current remasterings at higher price in the "Karajan Collection" or its predecessor, the "Karajan Edition." In fact, at Amazon Marketplace's used price, this two-fer is one of the best bargains around for late Mozart (and musically more genial and refined than the comparable DG two-fer from Karl Bohm).



For anyone who hasn't been exposed to Karajan in this music, his approach is not sleek or ultra-sophisticated. He is a dedicated Mozartean who condcuts each symphony quite naturally, but on a large scale--three's a full complement of strings and a somewhat distant placing on a sizable sonic stage. Personally, I think Mozart desrves luxury treatment like this, at least once in a while. As to tempo, Karajan doesn't lag in the slow movements, his allgros are fleet but not rushed, and only the occasionally heavy minuets sound dated. In compensation we get the amazing refinement of the Berlin Phil.'s playing, which has rarely sounded as amiable as in these masterpieces."

Herbie's Mozart

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 05/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This EMI France Import title in then "Rouge et Noir" series features conductor Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic's 1970 performances of the last six Mozart Symphonies. This very same material is available in the States via three "Karajan Edition" titles, which additionally give you the 29th Symphony and some rehearsal extracts. But since I was able to get this 2CD set from HMV Canada prior to their partnership with Amazon for less than half the price it sells for currently, I figured Symphonies 35-41 was just fine for me. While these performances are very good, Herbie was not at his best with this material and I would unequivocally recommend Karl Bohm's competing title in the "DG Originals" series over these renditions. Later in the decade, Karajan would re-record these Symphonies for DG (available as a two-fer for slightly less than the aforementioned Bohm) and those are just as competent as these, but are again nothing to really get excited about."