Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giuliano Carmignola, Claudio Abbado :: Mozart: The 5 Violin Concertos

What a difference

jgri | New York, NY, USA | 07/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a difference is this recording to his earlier one (Brilliant Clasics, 1997, Il Quartettone, Carlo de Martini). The earlier was dull and almost boring, so I was a bit worried about this one but since I am a great fan of Carmignola I thought I give it a try. How good that I did. Here the concerti sound refreshingly new, beautifully played and obviously very much in harmony with both, conductor's and artist's view (which seem to go back for a long time according to the booklet). As simple as these concertos sound as difficult it is to play them to sound like this (I tried myself). Here it is beautifully performed by orchestra and soloist(s), sound is very well balanced. Highly recommended."

Mozart as I like it

S. Lee | San Diego CA | 10/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a big fan of this violinst . I purchased almost all of his recordings from Amazon. I also purchased his earlier recording of exact composition. This new recrding is exatly I would like to hear Mozart....with personality of a Baroque player. The old recording with another conductor was not very good...dead and boring. In contrast, this recording is colorful, alive and happy. In addition, the recording technology probably is better in the new one (subject of this review)



The sound is clear and the style is conversational. My husband does like it saying that the violinst is not playing the Ramanitc style that Mozart intended, but I like Mozart Barouque style better.



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Abbado and Mozart

J. Genzlinger | 12/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is wonderul that such a seasoned and experienced conductor such as Claudio Abbado has found something fresh to bring to the Original Instrument scene. His new 'Orchestra Mozart' is simply stunning. The two titles available now, the five Violin Concertos with the Sinfonia Concertante, as well as Sym. 29, 33, 35, 38 and 41 are amongst the best Mozart I've ever heard. Phrases are shaped but not clipped, lean but not emaciated. Tempos are quicker than we've been used to in this rep (except with some of the more radical HIP conductors), but fit the overall conception of each piece. Violinist Giuliano Carmignola plays with little vibrato but a wonderfully sweet tone and perfect intonation. His grasp and vision of the music fits well with Abbado's. I still love Stern and Grumiaux, as well as Mustonen and Manze, but these new performances are top drawer. The Sinfonia is among the best available as well, particularly the entracing C minor Andante. The booklet contains a very interesting interview with Carmignola, a name I was unfamiliar with until now. And Abbado - what can you say about the greatest living conductor. His sytlistic re-birth into a new way to hear this music (call it 'post-HIP') is nothing short of inspirational, especially with one already so mature and confident in his vision. Whatever rep he conducts these days always seems just right in his hands, and his dedication to a full realization of the composer's intentions is beyond criticism (and I'm not just talking about his inclusion of a composer's specified repeat). It goes without saying that the sonics are superb (listen to the hushed pianissimo in the Andante to Sym K201). You must obtain both these releases."