As good as the first volume of Kraus' mature symphonies by the Concerto Köln from 1991 was -- and it was one of the finest discs of symphonies from the 1780s ever released -- the second volume from 1992 is even better. This volume has the bright and brilliant three-movement C major with violin obbligato from 1780; the original four-movement Symphony in C sharp minor from 1781 in all its Sturm und Drang glory; the massive and monumental two-movement Symphony in D major from 1789 with its prelude and fugue structure; and the ...
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As good as the first volume of Kraus' mature symphonies by the Concerto Köln from 1991 was -- and it was one of the finest discs of symphonies from the 1780s ever released -- the second volume from 1992 is even better. This volume has the bright and brilliant three-movement C major with violin obbligato from 1780; the original four-movement Symphony in C sharp minor from 1781 in all its Sturm und Drang glory; the massive and monumental two-movement Symphony in D major from 1789 with its prelude and fugue structure; and the dark and dour Sinfonie funebre from 1792, with its four slow movements and its tone of deepest mourning. As on the first volume, the playing of the Concerto Köln is superb, stylish, and dedicated, and, as on the first volume, the recording by Capriccio is clear, clean, and detailed. Anyone who loves the symphonies of Haydn, Mozart, and C.P.E. Bach will love this disc. ~ James Leonard, Rovi
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