Search - Various :: Mozart: Posthorn Serenade, etc.

A joy and sheer delight

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 08/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike the Mackerras-led traversal of Mozart's Serenata Notturna I last reviewed, here is a reading of the Posthorn Serenade that mixes power, charm and finesse in an appropriate blend that results in 50 minutes of sheer delight.



Readers may know this is an older recording (1985) that has been remastered and remixed on at least two newer CDs with other Mozart serenades, leaving this one with a somewhat skimpy 50 minutes duration. But if you seek the Posthorn Serenade in its original company -- with the Marches K. 335 Nos. 1 and 2 introducing and closing the serenade -- you can't do better than here.



Right from the opening march, through the boisterous opening Allegro con spirito, to the beautiful andantino and into the final presto's declining quarters, Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fileds players are expert advocates of this music. Their understanding and projection of Mozart is perfection. Kudos also to the fine posthorn playing of soloist Michael Laird, who manages to make this ungainly instrument sound wonderful all the time.



The 1985 recording is clear, warm, deep and full-throated and the score is remarkably played by members of the Academy. You cannot ask for better music-making in the K. 320 serenade than what you get here."