Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jiri Belohlavek, Prague Philharmonia Orchestra :: Mozart: Symphonies No. 35 "Haffner" & 36 "Linz"

An amazing achievement

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 10/30/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's been said that no one loved Mozart and his music more than the citizens of Prague, and that love shows through in this CD. Belohlavek and the Prague Philharmonia lead an amazingly precise, polished romp through these two symphonies. Rather than going for the high-octane energy of Sir Charles Mackerras or the lockstep precision of George Szell, Belohlavek and his orchestra distinguish their interpretations from the myriad of other Haffners and Linzes out there with a loving care for local nuance and interpretation. Subtle dynamic shifts, slight fluidity and flexibility in the tempi at key areas, and many other idiosyncratic details reveal hidden facets of the music without ever disturbing its structure. These musicians aren't just trying to nail down every note in its exact spot, they're playing the music with an ear for what it's really trying to say - and who better to do that than the residents of a city where Mozart premiered so many beloved works? This CD won't blast out of your speakers the way other recordings will, but it will have you hearing something new in these symphonies no matter how many times you've heard them before, which is possibly the highest praise any classical CD can receive. Highly recommended."