Superb recording and performance of Sinfonia Concertante
David J. Friedlander | Columbus, Ohio United States | 07/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the very first bars of the opening movement of Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for viola, violin and orchestra, it is immediately clear this is no routine performance. The interplay between the soloists has an organic presence that brings this music to bloom in a manner usually only experienced in a live performance. The communication among the soloists and orchestra is so far advanced and detailed I found myself completely and absolutely absorbed in the music. This is one of those very rare and special sessions that will cause one to lose track of time and become entranced with the delicate and subtle interplay of this charming and wonderful music by Mozart. The disc is filled up with a very good performance of the Concertone for two violins and orchestra. This is not nearly as absorbing as the first work, but the material isn't as inspired either. Still this is definitely a disc to go for. The sound is excellent, the playing absolutely top drawer, and the very special achievement of the Sinfonia Concertante is reason enough to own this disc."
Early Mozart
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 03/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This robust recording of two youthful Mozart pieces is a wonderful addition to a Mozart collection. The Sinfonia K. 364, written when Mozart was 19, is very upbeat in feeling, with its exquisitely melodic andante, which is here movingly performed. The Concertone K. 190, written when he was 17, is also lovely, and features some nifty solo oboe work by Neil Black.Recorded in 1991, the sound is excellent, and the English Chamber Orchestra under Raymond Leppard fresh and lively. The two soloists are magnificent and work together beautifully. The great Jaime Laredo, who is another child prodigy, and a huge hero in his native Bolivia...and now also in Vermont, doing such fine work as Music Director of the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, plays the viola in the Sinfonia, and the violin in the Concertone.This is a delightful CD for Mozart lovers, and you'd have a hard time finding a better recording of these charming compositions."
One of Mozart's Best Works
Mark R. De Yoe | San Diego, California United States | 04/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The playing on this CD is excellent. Sinfonia Concertante itself is one of Mozart's absolute best works in my opinion. One of my very favorite CDs."