Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Günter Wand, NDR Orchestra :: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40, 41 "Jupiter"

Wand's Mozart -- worthy of his Bruckner and Beethoven!

R. Hutchinson | a world ruled by fossil fuels and fossil minds | 08/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are live recordings from 1990 and 1994 of Mozart's last three symphonies, with Gunter Wand leading his NDR Simphonieorchester of Hamburg at the Musikhalle. I knew as soon as I saw this RCA Red Seal release that I had to hear it, based on Wand's superb interpretations of Bruckner and Beethoven, which I discovered over the past year (see my review of his Symphonies 1-9 by Beethoven). Wand captures the classical Symphonies 1 and 2 by Beethoven to perfection, and so it's no surprise that his Mozart is equally fantastic. This is not part of the recent authentic performance tradition, but Wand flows with the authentic spirit of the music nonetheless.



Mozart does not have the same reputation for symphonic composition as Haydn or Beethoven, but these, his last, all writtten in the summer of 1788 within a month of one another, are generally considered to be his best. The tragic theme of the G-minor "Symphony No. 40, K.550" is one of the best-known in all of classical music. But characteristically for Mozart, the works that precede and follow it are buoyant major-key works, expressing that quintessentially Mozartian joie de vivre.



This disc can be wholeheartedly recommended to anyone, as a great first or only recording of these symphonies, or as a worthy addition to an extensive collection of best performances."

Winning performances for people who like strong, traditional

dv_forever | Michigan, USA | 03/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gunter Wand goes straight to the front of the pack in Mozart's last three symphonies. Be warned. If you like tiny orchestras and period instruments, stay clear of this CD. If you like Mozart played with life and passion on modern instruments with ample weight, this is one of the best Mozart symphonic recordings you'll find.



Better than the ponderous Klemperer, better than the slowish Bohm, better than the lousy Colin Davis. Better than the Romantically afflicted Bernstein recordings.



If you want Mozart played by modern orchestras, Karajan and Szell are top of the line in most respects. Both shun Romantic affectations in Mozart without being accused of being cold and both play with panache and a sense of life. Gunter Wand joins that short list for me.



The only repeat Wand observes is in the all important opening movement of the G Minor, the rest of the symphonies are played sans repeats and all the better as we get to hear what Mozart composed without the academic need to make 25-28 minute symphonies into 40 minute monsters! The sound quality is vibrant and has great detail. If you like this kind of Mozart style, Wand's performances are some of the best around even if I ultimately prefer Karajan and Szell for these pieces."