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Site review by Polly Nomial January 9, 2007
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
A very well played and intelligently programmed disc that juxtaposes juvenilia against mature Mozart and reveals the earlier works to be surprisingly robust as well as clearly the work of the same master. Added to this a string symphony of papa Mozart completes the programme.
The three string divertimenti have long been favourite compositions for string orchestras the world over but they are not usually performed with such grace and vivacity as they are here. Despite playing on unashamedly modern instruments, the use of a lean tone (which might sound thin in Romantic music but is perfect for the Classical repertoire) and expressive (rather than universal) vibrato gives these accounts a lithe timbre that perfectly suits the energetic movements. In the more reflective andante's the vibrato is naturally given a more prominent position but it never reaches the thick, syrupy proportions that Karajan would have applied. As a point of information, no harpsichord is used in any piece on this disc.
The later Mozart comes in the form of two overtures (Cosi fan tutte & La Clemenza di Tito) arranged for string orchestra by Sigismund Neukomm (1778 - 1858). Whilst the ideas are all Mozart's, the transcriptions are remarkably faithful to the content of the full scores. At times, one almost forgets that the woodwinds and timpani are missing such is the joie de vivre of the playing; still it is a shame that these arrangements (interesting as they are) were taped rather than the "real thing". What is particularly fascinating is how, in string form, they sound so similar to the much earlier divertimento; it is as though these are discarded movements for a divertimento that was never completed.
Leopold Mozart's Sinfonia is, understandably, not in the same league of creative genius that his offspring achieved but is still a pleasant, if uninspiring, listen. The Salzburg Chamber Soloists under Lavard Skou-Larsen do their best with the material on offer and nearly convince the listener that it might be worth programming this music in concert.
This is my first Coviello Classics disc - it will not be my last - and apart from the high quality musicianship on offer, the sound is also pretty good. The detail is present naturally and there is a pleasing timbre to the string sound that is clean but not cold but there is a slightly dry aspect to the recording that prevents it from being a completely first class effort.
(Purchased)
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Copyright © 2007 John Broggio and SA-CD.net
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