Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Peter Maag, Orchestra di Padove e del Veneto :: Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 31, 33, 34

Mozart from Peter Maag

Peter G. Watchorn | Cambridge, MA USA | 09/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of four cds devoted to Mozart's later symphonies with the orchestra of Padua and Venice conducted by the legendary Peter Maag. The orchestra is wonderful, Maag's direction exemplary and the digital recording to a very high standard. It's interesting to note just how up to date Maag remained with regards to performance practice, too. This disc should be in every Mozart lover's collection, while fans of Peter Maag should not hesitate to investigate the three other Mozart symphony releases as well as the highly important complete Beethoven symphony cycle. All cds are available on the Arts label. Strongest recommendation."

Enriching

David Saemann | 02/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Maag first made his reputation as a Mozartean by recording music of Mozart's middle period as a symphonist. He returned to this repertoire in 1997 for the present disc. The sound engineering is clear and detailed almost to a fault. The strings of the Padua and Venice Orchestra are not world class, and the sound engineering here exposes their limitations. But the orchestra does play with very good discipline, and there is no question that they are fully involved with Maag's interpretations. No. 31 starts out with some highly specific phrasings in the violins that I've heard nowhere else. All three symphonies are given vigorous, vivid performances that are the equal of just about any I've heard. The Mozartean Maag reminds me most of here is Otto Klemperer, in the clarity of texture and seriousness of purpose. The first movement of No. 33 has a suitable swagger in the strings, while the brass in the first and last movements of No. 34 make their points potently but not overwhelmingly. There are more soothing treatments of these symphonies (I have a weakness for the old Vox Turnabout recordings by Gunter Kehr.), but Maag's accomplishment here is unassailably grand."