Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields :: Mozart: Symphonies [Box Set]

Spacious Recording

edouard pinaud | USA | 09/27/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just purchased this Mozart symphony set of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and I am most pleased. The Academy has slowly come to my attention, as I realized over the years that some of my preferred classical recordings -- purchased more for the composer than the interpreter -- derived from good old St. Martin.



Previously, and much more recently, I invested in the 46-symphony set Mozart, issued by my perennial favorite Deutsche Grammophon (DG). It was that collection that -- finally, I had waited years to explore this, having spent a decade in the work of Schnittke, Stockhausen, and their modern like -- introduced me to Mozart's symphonic pieces. Recorded in the 1960s by Karl Böhm and the Berliner Philharmoniker, the DG set possesses more than a few symphonies and individual movements that truly stand out. I am particularly taken by, say, the "Addendum: Andantino grazioso" of Symphony No. 19, with its powerful simplicity, and this among numerous others.



All the same, at times -- and I am not sure if it is the result of the recording quality or, more than likely, the impact of a large-scale Romantic-era modern orchestra treating earlier music as though it were composed in the mid-1800s -- at times, the violin section can be overbearing, either slightly sharp or saccharine sweet. Take your pick. To me, although Mozart's gifts certainly still manage to shine through in the Böhm collection, something feels lost or simply destroyed.



I particularly became aware of this issue after collecting Haydn's numerous symphonies, amongst which figured several "period performance" interpretations, from Christopher Hogwood, to Trevor Pinnock. These works had a spaciousness that absolutely amazed me, catapulting Haydn to the top of my "favorite composer list," for what that is worth. Leave talk of Beethoven's Fifth aside, as there's certainly been enough, and even a disco version for those who were alive and not teething in the 1970s[!]. Discover instead Haydn's Fifth. The "Allegro" movement, as interpreted by Adam Fischer, is so delightfully skewed and so beautiful. The "Minuet and Trio" from his Symphony No. 32 is another example of subtle human emotions sonically expressed. Is it majesty? Is it sadness? Either or, it is breathtaking. For that one, I recommend Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music.



And thus I was left to wonder why I kept neglecting the Mozart-Böhm collection. Although his is certainly not "ham-fisted," perhaps it is that debate about period performance practices. If you are aware of this "debate," you certainly don't need me to inform you. If you are unaware, acquaint yourself, as it is all good fun for those who love music.



In conclusion, if you are looking to purchase Mozart's symphonic works, I would highly suggest beginning here. There is spaciousness in these lushly recorded works, as interpreted by Sir Neville Mariner and the Academy of St Martin. The general feeling is "lighter," but in a good way, in that Mozart's music breathes more, and all those intangibles both between and beyond the written notes surface. The sound is indeed "lighter," and warmly so, but the end emotional impact is much, much heavier.



As my own personal "Addendum: Andantino grazioso," I will add that, if, however, you have the money to invest further in music (and it is always a sound educational and intellectual investment), you might well also pick up the Karl Böhm collection, or some other "pre-period instrument revival" interpretation. Line the individual Mariner and the Böhm symphonies up one after the other, and take note of the differences. As yet, hearing a movement here and there from Mariner, there are still moments where Böhm surpasses -- which is perhaps only right, because his work introduced me to Mozart's symphonic world. All this is not to confuse prospective shoppers. This is but the tip of the iceberg, where interpretation and performance practices factor, and glorious music in of all its shades shines."

Solid Performance

J. Webb | Dallas, Texas USA | 02/04/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields always does a very creditable job of providing a realistic and crisp sound for listeners to absorb and enjoy. Personally, I have been playing this set in my office for a few weeks now and have received several complements from people who do not even fully appreciate classical music. What is it about Mozart that brings out the best in people?"

Magisterial Mozart

Neal Harrington | Massachusetts | 01/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As the liner notes suggest, Mozart's symphonies may not be as accomplished as his operas and piano concertos. They do, however, capture wonderfully his remarkable development. The early symphonies, in particular, provide an exhilarating document of the young composer's discovery of his passion for music.



And these beautifully-remastered recordings are magisterial, articulate, and soaring. Marriner clearly has an exceptional, intuitive understanding of these works and conducts The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields with remarkable restraint and control, demanding of his musicians perfection. At the same time, these performances are spirited and overflow with joy and elation. Marriner's tempi and dynamics seem perfect, capturing the compelling force of the more dramatic movements and giving the slow movements an exquisite, gossamer finish. Where he seems to take minor liberties, they are not intrusive or cloying, but rather stop you in your tracks and at times take your breath away.



And all of this from historically-informed performances? Indeed. In fact, as the first reviewer notes, this (paradoxically) lends the works incredible power. These recordings are inspired and moving. Each instrument is attentively mic'ed and never eclipsed by another. The sound quality is both airy and crisp.



Admittedly, I am not familiar with other complete sets of Mozart's symphonies, although the recordings I have heard of individual works are heavy in comparison and without Marriner's nuance. Highly recommended."