Long established in Salzburg as a leading ensemble for Classical music performances, the Mozarteum Orchestra usually observes traditional practices in its robust interpretations of Mozart's symphonies. Though the orchestra plays modern instruments and appears in larger numbers than most period groups, it nonetheless executes Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, and the Symphony No. 38 in D major, "Prague," K. 504, with some awareness of authentic practices, and delivers these late works with surprising transparency ...
Read More
Long established in Salzburg as a leading ensemble for Classical music performances, the Mozarteum Orchestra usually observes traditional practices in its robust interpretations of Mozart's symphonies. Though the orchestra plays modern instruments and appears in larger numbers than most period groups, it nonetheless executes Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, and the Symphony No. 38 in D major, "Prague," K. 504, with some awareness of authentic practices, and delivers these late works with surprising transparency and vibrant timbres. This is a workable compromise that may appeal to most listeners, and only the most die-hard partisans of Classical interpretation will think less of these performances. Ivor Bolton sets brisk tempi, takes repeats, and keeps Mozart's textures clear with his close attention to line and color, particularly in the winds. One might object, however, to Bolton's stylized crescendi and high-relief dynamics, which shift too frequently to sound natural; and the fairly...
Read Less
