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Mozart The Symphonies
Sir Charles Mackerras
Mozart The Symphonies
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (26) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (26) - Disc #2
  •  Track Listings (20) - Disc #3
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #4
  •  Track Listings (20) - Disc #5
  •  Track Listings (12) - Disc #6
  •  Track Listings (15) - Disc #7
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #8
  •  Track Listings (7) - Disc #9
  •  Track Listings (8) - Disc #10

Australian conductor Charles Mackkerras's complete Mozart Symphonies set is widely considered the prime recommendation for a modern digital recording of this cornerstone of the repertoire. This beautiful slimline package r...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Sir Charles Mackerras
Title: Mozart The Symphonies
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: INTRIGUE MUSIC
Original Release Date: 1/1/2008
Re-Release Date: 10/28/2008
Album Type: Box set
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Symphonies
Number of Discs: 10
SwapaCD Credits: 10
UPC: 089408072925

Synopsis

Album Description
Australian conductor Charles Mackkerras's complete Mozart Symphonies set is widely considered the prime recommendation for a modern digital recording of this cornerstone of the repertoire. This beautiful slimline package reissues the set in a more space-efficient form at less-than-half the original price! The reissue has received strong international reviews. It includes a 44 page booklet. The individual single disc volumes of the cycle are all strong sellers
 

CD Reviews

Fabulous symphony set, now at a bargain price
Daniel W. Fowler | Austin TX | 04/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the previous incarnation of this set at a price somewhat higher than this one. I thought it a great deal, because Mackerras's scholarship combined with the Prague Chamber Orchestra's impeccable playing to produce a truly outstanding set of symphonies. Now, I guess, it's even a better deal than before. The recording quality reveals all the nuances of the playing, from the plaintive oboe solo in movement 1 of the 25th symphony to the propulsive ensemble playing in the Prague symphony. The orchestra uses modern instruments, but Mackerras introduces some historical practices like observing most of the repeats and using a harpsichord accompaniment. Pacing is generally brisk, but not at the expense of the lyrical movements. In some ways, this set bridges the gap between full-bodied sets (Klemperer, Walter, Bohm) and the historically informed period performances by Hogwood and Pinnock. I find the approach quite convincing and have listened to this set many times with great enjoyment."
Symphonic Bliss
John Keating | 12/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I make no claim to being an expert on Mozart or his work. I do know great music when I hear it: this is it! What a beautiful collection of music. I have listened to the first five cds and all I can say is - wow! Sir Charles Mackerras and the Prague Chamber Orchestra play the music with precision and sensitivity. I know it's an orchestra, but it sounds like a smaller grouping of instruments at times - intimate springs to mind. I feel connected to the music not overwhelmed by it. I believe this is due to the way the music is presented - It feels more personal. For those of you who enjoy Mozart, his music, and performances that are consistantly engaging - here's the set to buy! Telarc always delivers!"
A joy from start to finish
Prescott Cunningham Moore | 09/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Since Christopher Hogwood's period-set of the complete symphonies, here have been at least two, by my count, complete cycles of the Mozart symphonies. Trevor Pinnock's period set with the English Concert improved upon Hogwood's set with better intonation and a stronger interpretive point of view. Charles Mackerras's uses modern instruments, but in the period vein, historically informed performances with stereophonically placed violins, hard mallets for the timpani, and an ever-present, but never distracting, harpsichord continuo. While I enjoy Pinnock's great depth of tonal color and gutty strings, when it comes to interpretations alone, Mackerras stands supreme.



There are too many wonderful moments throughout this set to highlight individually but there are certainly some standout performances. Has the allegro of the wonderful Symphony No. 29 ever had such vivacious energy? Or listen to the four horns in The Little G-Minor symphony really play out, making this such a full-bodied, exciting journey. The little Paris Symphony is a delight from start to finish, Mackerras highlighting the subtly of this symphonic gem. Of course, the big six are astounding, but the Prague is really something. Throughout the cycle, Mackerras takes all the repeats, which gives the Prague Symphony an appropriate sense of depth and grand dimensions. The allegro is simply outstanding, the most energetic performance on disc while the finale dances from the speaker, chuck full of humor and charm. The Big G-Minor is equally fine, and while the competition in this, Mozart's greatest symphony, is fierce, Mackerras's performance is as winning as any.



I agree with those that say this set is in bad need of a remastering. Symphony No. 39 sounds as if it were recorded in a cave while the Jupiter sounds slightly grey-toned. But on the whole, the sound quality is good, certainly better than Bohm's wonderful, if "old-school" cycle, and the interpretations are consistently fantastic. A winner at any price, but now at under $50, its practically a steal."