Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Karl Böhm, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mozart: Symphonien Nos. 35-41

Very good, but not as good as the Amazon hype

12/23/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was surprised to see these recordings praised as long and loud as they are at this site. Truth be told Bohm's Mozart symphonies are widely considered to be very good, but are rarely touted as the very best recordings of these works. After listening to them I would have to agree with the general consensus in the music world--very good, but not necessarily the best. They are indeed beautifully played and recorded (who would guess the recordings date back to the 50s and 60s!), but tempi are sometimes too slow, particularly in the opening allegro of number 39 and throughout number 40, making the music sound too objective and studied. The orchestral textures are also somewhat weighty, which at times makes the music sound at lot like Beethoven (although not as much as Karajan with the same orchestra makes them sound), and repeats are seldom observed. My opinion (and certainly not everyone will agree) is that Mozart sounds best with a slightly smaller orchestra and at brisker tempi. Under such circumstances the genius of Mozart is more infectious and elegant, and it is easier to let the music carry you along. Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (on EMI, Phillips, and Decca) and Wordsworth on Naxos are two fine examples of this approach to the symphonies. They both use modern instruments, so the strings sound fuller than recordings using period instruments, but the leaner orchestral textures sound more appropriate for Mozart. Tempi are somewhat brisk but never too fast. Wordsworth's recordings of 36, 38, and 39 are especially nice, while Marriner's versions of 25, 29, 40, and 41 are standouts. When choosing among the best recordings of the best in classical music, there are usually many fine options from which to choose, and the Mozart symphonies are certainly no exception. Choosing one's favorite recording(s) will essentially be a subjective and personal decision. Bohm is certainly a fine choice, and so are Walter, Abbado, and Bernstein for a slower, weightier approach, while Marriner, Wordsworth, and Britten are excellent from a different perspective. Szell would probably fall somewhere in the middle, but only 35, 40, and 41 are available from him. And if that isn't enough, recordings using period instruments are now all the rage. So don't take the Bohm recordings as the be all and end all of the Mozart symphonies. Sample other great recordings to see which suit you best."

Bohm knows Mozart, But you make the call

Richard Springs | Redmond, WA United States | 02/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bohm's treatment of Mozart's most famous symphonies are certainly worth a great ovation. I don't believe any one performance of these works conducted over the years can claim to be the best. Personal opinion and importantly the particular mood of the listener is key. We are very forunate that we have so many great recordings to choose from. I love Maccerras' versions of these sym.'s as well as Marriner's and it is fun to compare them and hear the interpretive differences and realize that these works are brilliant even when played in different manners. Bohm and Maccerras conduct at totally different tempi and orcestral arrangment. Yet their performances are both incredible and should not be compared as to which is better (which is totally silly subjectiveness). Granted, there have been plenty of lackluster performances of Mozart, but always let your ears ultimately decide what you think is best, not some reviewer. Critics are there to point you in the right direction. Let classical music be fun and full of vitality, not full of restraint and indecision if you have the best performance to date. If great Mozart is what you want then don't hesitate with Bohm. Bohm spent a lifetime contemplating this genius' works and the results are exquisite. But judge for yourself. I doubt you will be disappointed."

STILL THRILLING.... AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 11/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having owned Bohm's complete traversal of Mozart's forty-one symphonies (in two separate boxed sets released by DG--- DGG, back then--- over thirty years ago), and having relinquished them during my LP-to-CD changeover, I was delighted by this surprise, mid-price reissue. Frankly, I had forgotten just how Mozartian Bohm is, how clean and clear--- like a breath of spring air--- and as downright refreshing; yet, too, how sensitive he is to the myriad nuances of these works. His is a pure energy, a pure depth that comes from wisdom, not show. Bohm conducts focused, dedicated, immersed--- and these symphonies appear to us miraculously renewed, classically shining. No doubt about it: these are performances borne out of love. So simpatico is Bohm's approach to Mozart, I hesitate to even call them "performances." More likely, each is a devotional.



[Running time--- CD 1: 67:57 CD 2: 78:55]"