COMPOSERS: Mozart
LABELS: EMI Eminence
WORKS: Symphony No. 40 in G minor; Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter); Eine kleine Nachtmusik
PERFORMER: Berlin PO/Herbert von Karajan
CATALOGUE NO: CD-EMX 2253 ADD (1971/61)
Karajan’s propensity for creating an almost seamless orchestral texture may impress in the late-Romantic repertoire, but sounds unbearably glutinous in Mozart. The Minuets of both symphonies, delivered at unduly ponderous tempi, come off particularly badly in this respect, and matters aren’t helped by a cavernous recording. Of course, if you like big-band Mozart with a vengeance, this disc will fit the bill admirably. But nowadays, such an approach seems hopelessly out of place. Erik Levi
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor; Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter); Eine kleine Nachtmusik
Karajan’s propensity for creating an almost seamless orchestral texture may impress in the late-Romantic repertoire, but sounds unbearably glutinous in Mozart. The Minuets of both symphonies, delivered at unduly ponderous tempi, come off particularly badly in this respect, and matters aren’t helped by a cavernous recording. Of course, if you like big-band Mozart with a vengeance, this disc will fit the bill admirably. But nowadays, such an approach seems hopelessly out of place. Erik Levi
Our rating
2
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm
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