COMPOSERS: Mozart
LABELS: Philips Solo
WORKS: Symphony No. 40 in G minor; Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter)
PERFORMER: Orchestra of the 18th Century/Frans Brüggen
CATALOGUE NO: 454 136-2 1985/87
Frans Brüggen’s approach to authenticity is by now itself a part of history, to which these paired symphonic performances, recorded live, bear witness. The music is wonderfully contrasted, the G minor Symphony’s dark thoughts balanced by the grandly operatic tone of the Jupiter. Period instruments make for a lucid, floating sound in the Menuetto of No. 41, and in the first movement of No. 40, which is taken fast. Style at times replaces substance, but the manners are delightful. Nicholas Williams
Mozart: Symphony No. 40 in G minor; Symphony No. 41 in C (Jupiter)
Frans Brüggen’s approach to authenticity is by now itself a part of history, to which these paired symphonic performances, recorded live, bear witness. The music is wonderfully contrasted, the G minor Symphony’s dark thoughts balanced by the grandly operatic tone of the Jupiter. Period instruments make for a lucid, floating sound in the Menuetto of No. 41, and in the first movement of No. 40, which is taken fast. Style at times replaces substance, but the manners are delightful. Nicholas Williams
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:31 pm