Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jaap ter Linden, Mozart-Ensemble Amsterdam :: Mozart: Symphonies [Hybrid SACD] [Box Set]

SACD for this?

Gregory M. Zinkl | Chicago, IL | 01/09/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Doing research on some other Mozart recordings, I noted in passing that these recordings are being released on SACD.



My review of vol. 1 of the CD set is included below. In brief: no amount of technical wizardry saves this set from being technically perfect but, IMH(?)O, dreadfully boring. SACD or not, I recommend saving your pennies.



I had high hopes for this set. Linden is a great musician, and it turns out that the orchestra is fine.



However, where there should be magic, there is only, well, competence. There's no doubt some thoughtful phrasing going on, and from minute to minute, there is enjoyment. But I left unsatisfied.



HIP performances, btw, so if you want modern instruments, you don't want this set.



To be sure, some performances are more interesting than others, but even at this low price, I can't be too enthusiastic. Recording engineering is fine, although the symphonies weren't equalized on the disc, so some symphonies are much louder than others.



In Brilliant Classics Mozart Masterworks series, there is a collection of the great Mozart symphonies, with the likes of Chung conducting, as well as the ever ever reliable Hartmut Haenchen. While not a set to end all sets, it is very, very enjoyable.



If you want HIP, get Hogwood, whose (massive 19 CD) set is enjoyable and displaying a freshness that Linden's performances lack. Even if you aren't usually a Hogwood fan (he can be pedestrian), I would recommend at least giving him a listen (the set was made in collaboration with the excellent violinist and group leader, Jaap Schroeder). Even the earliest works are played in such a way to afford joy. I would also guess that Pinnock's set would supply plenty of style and enjoyment, too.



For modern instruments, there is always Bohm's classic set on DG. Arigoni, while having some intriguing ideas about tempi, is too pedestrian, and the orchestra too mediocre, to give a recommendation for. Have not heard Tate's set."

Perfect

G.T. | 03/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am not an expert but my take on these symphonies by Jaap Ter Linden is that they are technically perfect. Initially they sound somewhat dry but the more you listen to them the more beautiful and irresistible they become. Being played with period instruments is a big plus as well; after all, Mozart composed for the instruments he knew and not for imaginary ones. Highly recommended."