Collections of Mozart symphonies

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

... and Böhm's recordings of the operas - but his recordings of the Symphonies (or, at least the later ones: I haven't heard any lower than 31) don't set of any sparks for me, alas.

The Bohm set is very much a mixed bunch. Much seems very fine, but the finale of no. 33 is very slow and plodding.
Beecham's Mozart is something special, but his minuets do seem heavy and plodding.

[mathias broucek]

My first ever recording of the Linz Symphony was conducted by Jochum, and it did no favours for this otherwise great conductor. I recall the block chords in bars 32 - 36 of the first movement, being shockingly imprecise, and I can "hear" them played in this way in my head every time I listen to the work.

I love Jochum but he's rarely the last word in precise ensemble.

[mathias broucek]

As long as you don't want period instrument performances you can't go wrong with the recording of of the Mozart Symphonies No's 35/41 (without No. 37) with the Berliner Philharmoniker under Karl Böhm on Deutsche Grammophon.

Link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mozart-Symph...4377015&sr=1-1

He rerecorded 29, 35 & 38-41 with the VPO (also DG) and I find those readings less heavy albeit 29i is v slow.

[BBMmk2]

makes two of us

[mathias broucek]

Whoever said I didn't like period-practice? I find it fascinating, but become suspicious when the performers' arguments seem hell-bent on outdoing one another. In the case of the inclusion of the harpsichord, this seems to me to be an unmusical arrangement, as its primary purpose was to hold the orchestra together. Had it been used for musical effect, it would have been rested periodically. I've already referred to the harpsichord"s lack of dynamic range within a group of instruments which have a wide range... It isn't as though the texture needed filling in, as it does in baroque cembalo parts. The harmonies are complete as written.

Funnily enough Mrs B was playing harpsichord in a mature Haydn mass at the weekend. At times the texture was such that it was inaudible but at other times it enhanced mattrers a little. Of course the harpsichord in 98 is wonderful - especially in one of Jochum's recordings.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Stanfordian and Richard: but Bohm is slower and 'big band', no, which would rule it out for me. [See posts passim]

To add to EA's mention of Mozart's own pleasure at the 'big band' premiere of the Paris, NB also the 1st Viennese performance of No. 34: " the symphony went magnifique and had the greatest success; there were 40 violins, the wind instruments were all doubled, there were 10 violas, 10 double basses, 8 cellos and 6 bassoons."

So not just a very big band but one with a balance of parts that would raise many eyebrows today (TEN double basses!!??).

[richardfinegold]

Stanfordian and Richard: but Bohm is slower and 'big band', no, which would rule it out for me. [See posts passim]

If you will read back through my first post, I mentioned that I have the Hogwood set and that I enjoy it. I had thought that you were looking for a non HIP set, so I apologize for my misunderstanding.
While I enjoy Hogwood, the subsequent HIP that I versions try to outdo each other in trying to be the most manic interpretations available. I had written earlier how I had purchased the recordings of Rene Jacobs which are ridiculously fast. Surely even Mozart at his most impetuous would not sound like a 33 1/3 lp played at 78 r.p.m. If an HIP performance employs reasonable, non- amphetamine infused tempos, and avoids completely scratchy sounding string tone, then I'll listen.
I learned these recordings from Klemperer, which despite his reputation, are quite energetic and spry, so I am coming from a different perspective than you, Throp. Don't dismiss all the old boys out of hand, which would be as mistaken as dismissing all HIP versions in a like fashion.
Do try to see if you can get Marriner on Quobuz. He may the the "sweet spot" here.

[cloughie]

He rerecorded 29, 35 & 38-41 with the VPO (also DG) and I find those readings less heavy albeit 29i is v slow.

But unfortunately not nicely available - would make a lovely DG twofer! Interesting, unless I've missed it - no mention of Peter Maag's Mozart - his LSO 32/38 have long been among my favourites and there are Italian recordings on the Arts label. As an aside his Notturno K286 is a wonderful performance. My early likes for interpretations include Van Beinum's 35, Collins 40/41, but there are many satisfying and satisfactory interpretations - Mozart's music was written to stand up to most treatment. Throps will be surprised to hear I even like some period instrument versions - Pinnock and the LCP Norrington, but where I turn off is when the strings sound thin or boring - never took to Collegium Aureum and can't say I like Piano Concerti when they are played as FortePiano Concerti although Bilson just about gets away with it Schiff on Mozart's old Joanna!

[verismissimo]

Collections of Mozart symphonies

I'm currently bewitched by Mackerras's recordings with the Prague Chamber Orchestra. Sort of semi-HIPP.

But I've previously obtained great pleasure from LPO/Beecham, Columbia SO/Walter, BPO/Bohm and AAM/Hogwood.

So, not necessarily complete sets …

What are boarders preferences?

[HighlandDougie]

At the risk of a (metaphorical) stoning for the non-HiPP nature of the first, two sets give me great pleasure:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Krips-conducts-Mozart-Great-Symphonies/dp/B000OPPSXK/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1549298119&sr=1-1&keywords=mozart+josef+krips

and

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Conducts-Mozart-Frans-Bruggen/dp/B01C7W7KP6/ref=sr_1_5?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1549298193&sr=1-5&keywords=mozart+frans+bruggen

One set - bought because it was very cheap - but which I don't greatly care for:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mozart-Danish-National-Chamber-Orchestra/dp/B00FETUPN4/ref=sr_1_1?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1549298342&sr=1-1&keywords=mozart+adam+fischer

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The only complete set of Mozart Symphonies I own is the bargain (in every sense) box played by the Mozart Akademie Amsterdam, directed by Jaap ter Linden, which is completely reliable and an utter joy to listen to. (Both versions of '40, too!)

I also have them all (including the Symphonies that aren't included in the standard numbering) in the Mozart 225 Box, where they're shared around different ensmbles and conductors.

[vinteuil]

.

... another vote for the Krips -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000OPPSXK

.

[Stanfordian]

I'm a big Mozart admirer but I've never been especially keen on obtaining the very early symphonies.

[vinteuil]

I'm a big Mozart admirer but I've never been especially keen on obtaining the very early symphonies.

... I still get joy from the very first, K16 :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4IXXpTHjok

.

[HighlandDougie]

I'm a big Mozart admirer but I've never been especially keen on obtaining the very early symphonies.

I was of the same opinion - but then I heard these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikolaus-Harnoncourt-Conducts-Mozart-Symphonies/dp/B00GZHRDHA/ref=sr_1_2?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1549299898&sr=1-2&keywords=mozart+harnoncourt