Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Anne-Sophie Mutter, London Philharmonic Orchestra :: Mozart: The Violin Concertos; Sinfonia Concertante

A Mature Mozart

Jill Tan | Singapore | 11/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In listening to this album, one inevitably draws comparisons with Mutter's earlier recordings. Her DG album of the 3rd and 5th Mozart Violin Concertos with von Karajan had the unmistakable freshness of youth, with clean lines and impeccable intonation. That remains one of my favourite albums to date. As for her EMI recordings of the 2nd and 4th with Muti, and of the Sinfonia concertante with Giuranna on viola, I can't say that they ever really "spoke" to me.



Which is why this album is a must-have for the anyone's CD collection. I must admit that given the patchiness of Mutter's recent recordings, I was slightly apprehensive about this album. However, I was pleased to hear that Mutter has lost none of the technical prowess that I so admire her for, and that while this album does not have the childish charm of the von Karajan recording, it commends itself in other respects.



As Mutter says in the CD liner notes, she plays with the London Philharmonic as a first among equals, and indeed, these are much more "interactive" interpretations than the standard offerings of a solo instrument concerto with the orchestra in a supporting role.



While still prone to taking liberties with the tempi, Mutter is much more restrained here than in her recent recordings, and plays the slow passages beautifully, and the fast passages with energy and technical assuredness.



The Sinfonia concertante is especially brilliant, and the pairing with Yuri Bashmet is inspired. It is worth buying this 2CD set just for that recording! I have always been able to listen to Mozart "in the background", but this rendition of the Sinfonia Concertante is of "stop what you're doing and listen" quality.



It has been a while since I have been enthusiastic about a Mutter release (the last one that got me really excited was the Brahms with Masur), and this recording reminds me what a brilliant violinist she is. She's been performing for 30 years (!), and let's hope for many more.











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BEAUTIFUL

GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 01/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have never heard Mutter's earlier recordings of Mozart's Violin Concertos. Therefore, go to previous reviews on this board for comparison of this new recording to her old one(s). I do, however, own many recordings of these works by other violinist. To me, this new recording by Annie-Sophie as violinist and conductor is simply beautiful if not down right gorgeous. The tone of her playing is simply beautiful. To me, she always allows Mozart to come through very clearly not allowing her technique and powers as a violinist to smother Mozart's wonderful melodies. I truly was moved by this recording. A lovely example is the Sinfonia Concertante K. 364 (wherein she's joined by violist Yuri Bashmet). That performance moved me to tears.



For some beautiful Mozart playing (DO ignore the circa 1955 Old Hollywood glamour photos on the outside and inside of the album; I guess it does sell classical albums!) buy this album by one of today's top violinist at the peak of her powers.



By the way the London Philharmonic Orchestra play wonderfully and the sound is first-rate.

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One of the most beutiful Mozart ever

Scordatura | 12/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I compared this recording with Manze, Grumiaux, and Perlman's recordings.

First, no. 1 and 2. are the outstading performance with gorgeous sound.

Regarding No. 3, I prefer her earlier recording to it in especially in first movement. But, 2nd and 3rd movement are really great and probably second to none.

No. 4 and No. 5 is also great.

Sinfonia Concertante, I bet nobody else can do better than Mutter and Bashmet.

My suggestion :

If you wanna background music --> Manze OK.

If you wanna more classical music --> Grumiaux

If you love sweetier sound --> Perlman

If you love song (I think this recording shows more operatic and more lirical aspects in Mozart musics than other recordings do) and really want to be absorbed into music --> Mutter !





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