Search - Mozart, Ecc, Pinnock :: Complete Mozart Symphonies / Pinnock, English Concert

Sometimes Less Is More

Lawrence S. Povlow | Philadelphia, PA United States | 07/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to disagree with the Michael B Richman review regarding the comparison of this excellent set to the Hogwood/AAM box. Being a certifiable period-instrument geek, I feel that, although this set is less inclusive, it contains all the most important works and there's really no comparison between them in terms of quality. I am a big fan of both of these ensembles and in fact I own both of these box sets, so I've been able to compare them. The AAM have some trouble with their intonation (this is one of their earliest efforts - they've since fixed the problem in later recordings) and in fact sound downright sour on occassion. I still enjoy it, but this newer set by Pinnock retains all the period-instrument clarity, but with a far more refined and richer sound, especially in the string tone. And the digital recording is excellent while the Hogwood set is mostly analog (although the transfers are first-rate). Bottom line - I like both sets, but if you're looking for one set of Mozart symphonies on period instruments, Pinnock's is the better choice. It may even please some of those whose preference is for modern instruments."

This is a Great Box Set, but...

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 03/29/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...if you are going to be spending this hefty chunk of change on an authentic instruments performance of Mozart's Symphonies, you might as well spend a little more and get the Hogwood/AAM set. It has loads more "newly discovered" pieces, in fact the Hogwood boasts 19 discs worth of music versus 11 discs on this Pinnock/English Concert set. Those looking for a non-authentic instruments performance should check out the Marriner/Krips set on Philips, or scour the used bins for the great Leinsdorf cycle with the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra of London on Westminster/MCA."

The finest authentic instrument set of Mozart's Symphonies

Lawrence S. Povlow | 09/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My wife and I were married at Mirabel Palace in Salzburg "The City of Mozart", so of course Mozart's music holds a special place in my heart. I must agree with the reviewer below: Pinnock/English Concert have the superior sound over Hogwood/Academy of Ancient Music. Although not as extensive (48 symphonies on 11 CD's as opposed to Hogwood's 72 tracks on 19 CD's) this contains all the essential Mozart symphonies that one could hope for, and the price is accordingly less (around $80 as opposed to $150). The Hogwood cycle are analog recordings (digitally mastered) from the 80's when all the sound bugs from authentic instruments had not been completely worked out yet. The Pinnock cycle are superb digital recordings from 1993-95, presenting a vivid "sound stage" where you feel as if this sublime orchestra is playing right there in your room. Check it out, you won't be disappointed!"