Mozart: Symphonies

Read About This Recording

There are certain recordings that bring a smile to your face, and this New Release falls into that category. These two symphonies from Mozart's middle period are charming, delightful, breezy works filled with joyful melodies.

The earlier symphony, Symphony No. 33 in B-Flat Major, is an underrated, lesser-known symphony that should be performed more often, and it's wonderful to have this fine, idiomatic performance by the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields conducted by Iona Brown available. The fantastic last movement that features the woodwinds is a piece you will return to again and again.

Mozart's "Haffner" Symphony has always seemed to be a bridge into his later, best-known symphonies. While it retains Mozart's youthful ebullience, there is a more mature undercurrent that presages his last three symphonies. If you don't know this great piece, this is a chance to get to know it the right way. Once again, the performance by this orchestra and conductor demonstrates their familiarity and comfort with this classical repertoire.

The sound is excellent, the performances are first-rate and the music is by Mozart; that's a winning combination and this CD is a winner.

—Jacob Anthony

Contents

Includes Symphonies: No. 33 in B-flat Major; No. 35 in D Major Haffner.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; Iona Brown, Conductor.