Mozart complete symphonies

Posted by: Rubio on 27 December 2006

I have the complete symphonies performed by Mackerras, and I find his slightly brisk, exciting performances to suit this music perfectly. I now see that they have a set of the complete symphonies by Bohm in the shop for about 30 British Pounds. So I wonder if I should splurge for another big set of these symphonies? Or would I be better off buying some individual discs? I already have Walter's 39-41 on Sony. Especially I would like to have some alternative recordings of the symphonies 25-38, so I wonder if Bohm will be the way to go. For sure his approach will be the opposite of Mackerras, but are there other excellent alternatives for these symphonies?

Posted on: 27 December 2006 by Big Brother

At the risk of sounding redundant, I don't know any better performances of the Late Mozart's Symphonies than Klemperer's on EMI.

Regards

BB

Ps. If you're bored with the orchestral music, try The Requiem, Cosi, Don Giovanni or Die Zauberflote.

Posted on: 27 December 2006 by u5227470736789439

Agree totally with BB. Even though Klemperer only recorded (or performed regularaly) Nos 25, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38 thought to 41, I think that these readings probably have the most to offer of any of the commercial recordings. They are not eccentric, or slow, and fantastically clear in details, jet they swing wonderfully. In fact, in one or two instances, Klemperer actually is startlingly quick, though never at the expense of the musical flow, such as in the early G minor symphony No 25, and the Linzer Symphony, No 36.

Boehm is complete and very good. Klemperer is incomplete and great...

All the best from Fredrik

Posted on: 27 December 2006 by lplover

I own the Mackerras (CD) and Klemperer (LP) sets and they are both great. An alternative that you might want to consider is Marriner with the ASMF on Philips. I have this complete set on LP and although I prefer both the Klemperer and Mackerras, it is very fine.......better than the Bohm IMO (I have that too).