Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Charles Mackerras, Prague Chamber Orchestra :: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

Do yourself a favor...

Joshua Grasso | Oxford, OH USA | 08/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After exhaustively collecting all of Mozart's symphonies (even the questionable ones, such as the A minor symphony, K.16a), this is the disc I return to the most. Naturally, I've grown up listening to the "big" symphonies, so those will always remain beyond comparison. However, of the "new" symphonies I've discovered in the past year or so (basically #1 through 34), I find this disc, under Mackerras and the immaculate Prague Chamber Orchestra, a revelation. These symphonies are full of charm, wit, gusto, and ravishing melodies (in the Classical sense). There's no point looking for the profundity of Symphony No.40 here, but even so, each symphony is an astonishingly mature work that only grows with repeated listenings. Bottom line, these symphonies are full of drama. High-spirited passages are followed by minor key arias, which explode into a mini-storm scene, until being dispelled by a glowing coda. The first movement of Symphony No.19 is a case in point: it opens like an overture to one of Rossini's operas, only to develop in surprising and delightful ways--including a delightful "tragic" bit in the middle. Each symphony has its own particular delight: the finale of Symphony No.20, every stinking movement of Symphony No.21, the masterpiece of the collection (an incredibly beautiful slow movement), and the merriment and sheer exuberance of Symphonies No. 22 and 23. Listening to these symphonies, you begin to realize the sheer genius of Mozart, that these riches could ceaselessly flow from his pen, few of which received more than a performance or two (and virtually none today). If you think you know Mozart's music or his symphonies without this disc, you have no idea what you're missing. From here I would recommend the disc of Symphonies 14-18, not quite as perfect, but still wonderfully charming, and then the powerful trio of Symphonies 31, 33 and 34. Okay, I've said my piece. I think I'll go listen to Symphony No. 21 now."

Great Performances of Transitional Mozart Symphonies

James Skrydlak | Pella, Iowa | 01/11/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"To my ears, these symphonies, along with those on Telarc 80186, are among Mozart's least successful. These seem to me to lack the simple but appealing style of his earlier symphonies while also lacking the greater profundity of his later work. The least of Mozart's music, though, is still great music, and it is well served here by Mackerras's simultaneously scholarly and energetic conducting, the wonderful musicianship of the Prague Chamber Orchestra, and Telarc's impeccable sound."

A Triumph!

A Minstrel in the Gallery | Portsmouth, New Hampshire USA | 12/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the second disc I bought from the Mozart Symphony cycle conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras, and expertly recorded by Telarc. I have to say these recordings are an absolute treat for those interested in 18th century performance practices. The liner notes are very enlightening, and the performances are exquisite. I have another recording which has no. 19 and 20 on it, but these versions are frankly better, packed full of Mozartean wit and drama. The sound quality of this disc is so rich and full you'll feel like you are in the hall with the orchestra! This cd will give any Mozart buff a greater appreciation and understanding of his art. Buy it today and you won't regret it!"