Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Leonard Bernstein, New York Philharmonic :: Mozart: Symphonies 39 & 41/Figaro Overture

Lenny's Big Mozart

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like your Mozart played big, powerful and Beethoven-like, then this Leonard Bernstein disc is for you. This title in the Bernstein Century series, featuring Mozart's 39th and 41st Symphonies and the Figarro Overture, has been reissued from its earlier incarnation in the Royal Edition series (too bad they didn't also reissue his Mozart Sym. 36 & 38 disc). All the recordings are in stereo with the New York Philharmonic, with the 39th recorded in 1961 and the two others from 1968. For those of you looking for an initial disc of Mozart Symphonies, I would suggest passing on this title for a performance featuring a more consistent, traditional approach, and one that is a better overall value. You will find both of those things on CDs by Karl Bohm (DG Originals) and George Szell (Sony Essential Classics -- see my review). But if you want a vintage Mozart Symphony performance that flies directly in the face of the authentic-instruments crowd, then you have come to the right place."

"Unacceptable" Mozart in everything but enjoyment

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/20/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In the 60s, at the time these recordings were made, almost the only choice for Mozart symphonies was the "big band" approach, whether in robust form from Klemperer or leaner, faster, and ultra-presice from Szell. (runo Walter was kept to a smaller orchestra in L.A. by buget constraints.) It wasn't until Neville Marriner appeared on the scene in the Seventies that Mozart began to be reduced. Bernstein remained a hold-out for the grand style all his life, like Karajan and Bohm never succumbing to the encroaching period-instrument style.



That style won out, of course, so this Sym. 39 and 41 are dinosaurss that survived the crunch. I wonw't offer a defense except to say that they sound to me more fresh and genuinely enjoyable than either Bohm or Karajan. LB went to Europe and remade both works with the incomparable Vienna Phil, but I'd choose these NY Phil. recordings as more spontaneous. Excellent remawtered sound, too. Highly recommended, and not just for fans."

Excellent performances and recordings

R. Gale | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These classic performances have been brilliantly remastered, and show why Leonard Bernstein deserves his iconic status. The symphonies are played with energy and vigor, and there is something that comes across in these recordings that give one the sense that the musicians really enjoyed playing under Bernstein. Highly recommended."