Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leonard Bernstein, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mozart: The Late Symphonies: Nos. 25, 29, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41

* * * 1/2 Well-played, beautifully-recorded, but a little b

John Grabowski | USA | 10/20/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"My first reaction was "25 and 29 were *late symphonies?" He was basically a kid when he wrote them! However, who cares about labels--these are some of Wolfie's best works. And in the hands of Bernstein and the Vienna Philharmonic, they achieve a polish and grace that's hard to beat. Recorded in the gorgeous acoustical space of the Musikverein, they sound ravishing too. So what's the problem?



Well, nothing, really. If you want these works well-played, in you-are-almost-there sound, go for this set. The price is right.



But there's something missing. Lenny doesn't really *say* anything new in these readings. There's a certain genial autumnal quality, like a man looking backwards, and I'm sure that's what Lenny was doing at the time these were recorded (late 80s). Plus, the Vienna Philharmonic, with a sound that's the opposite of bright and a tuning that's lower than most other orchestras, add to the slightly somber feeling. This is not bright, singing Mozart but rather a more reserved composer.



But there's something more to the way these works come across. With many performances of chestnuts, one feels like the conductor and orchestra are discovering the work afresh. Bruno Walter's performances of these same symphonies, recorded with the New York Philharmonic and the Columbia Symphony Orchestra in the mid-50s to early-60s, have this urgent quality. At their best, they sound like they're being made up on the spot. It's joyous music-making.



Bernstein's performances here sound almost the opposite. They feel as though he, and we, already know this music, and we are giving it one more go 'round. It's like he's coming back to old familiar friends for a final, wistful reunion. The prospect of new discoveries with this music wasn't even on his agenda. This is very different than, say, his approach, also late in life, to the Tchaikowsky 6th, also on DG.



The result is readings that sound beautiful and are seductively recorded, but don't have a lot of freshness or spark to them. (His reading of Symphony No. 29 is particularly lacking in spirit.) I'd recommend this set as a supplement to other, more vibrant recordings, such as the aforementioned Walter, Brüggen, Mackerras, and even Bernstein's own earlier readings on Sony. These CDs won't add anything to your appreciation of the works. But they sure is purdy."

Great compilation of Mozart!

Suzanne R. Doering | Peoria, Illinois | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to get the best of Mozart with a fabulous composer than this cd is the one for you. I am not a music critic, just a biology major who studies well listening to these classics -- they really help keep me focused!! Awsome symphonies at a great price -- what could be better?!?!"

Driving music

P. Lehman | Central, MA USA | 10/23/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 3 CD collection is perfect for those long Sunday drives. If you are a Mozart fan you will not be disappointed. The style of the conductor is subtle, without too much vibrato, which makes the music sound timeless compared to mid-century recordings."