Mackerras's SCO Mozart symh's - sound quality

[LeMartinPecheur]

I'm a latecomer to these highly-rated recordings, having just relieved a local HMV of the 38-41 set for a fiver IMO they are as good as everyone says, but I'm very, very surprised by their sound, which I don't recall getting any mention in reviews.

First impressions are of a great big orchestra rather like, say, Walter, Klemperer, Bohm, or even Karajan(). It's still well-balanced, everything can be heard, esp. the brass (every entry really thrilling), but it was a real shock to count the players in the photo and make it only 27.

The clue is probably in the very long reverberation clearly audible after any loud concluding chord - a couple of seconds at least. The recordings were made at City Halls, Glasgow - is this known for its bathroom acoustics??

Does this odd choice of venue and acoustic perspective make better sense on SACD? Is it a standard Linn trick? I'd be delighted to hear others' views.

[Ferretfancy]

le MartinPecheur,
Chandos made a number of recordings in Glasgow,notably the Alexander Gibson Sibelius sets, and the reverberation is noticeable on them but the sound is still very good.
I suspect that the microphone placing may be responsible in the case of Mackerras. I have to say that big sound in Mozart doesn't trouble me too much, but I do prefer the earlier recordings of these symphonies that Mackerras made with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, they seem fresher to my ears, but others may disagree.

[kernelbogey]

I've particularly noticed the clarity of the detail on these recordings, even though listening in less than ideal conditions (e.g car stereo) - not just solos but phrases here and there I'd never heard before.

[gradus]

If you dislike the recorded sound, you could always try the earlier Mackerras set with the Prague Chamber Orchestra, nicely recorded by Telarc and excellent playing.

[Chris Newman]

I enjoy both the Prague and the Scottish versions. What always amazes me is how wonderfully lively and fresh sounding Sir Charles was able to get orchestras that we take for granted when in other hands. I have said it before: he was a magician.

[Alf-Prufrock]

I too have been surprised by the aggressive sound of the latest Mackerras Mozart. On SACD the music seems to leap into your lap. I think there is a touch of stridency too, but perhaps I haven't set up my equipment well enough yet. (Though other SACDs sound fine.)

I too like the Czech set very much. I would still consider it my favourite performances of the Mozart symphonies.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Played the Prague to a friend last night. I'm still very impressed with the performances and, in an odd way, with the sound.

We listened afterwards to the Concertgebouw/Harnoncourt Prague, but both of us gave Mackerras the palm. Possibly H uses a bigger string section, which stops woodwind and brass telling so strikingly?