Les Chocs de l'année 2008 for the SCO and Sir Charles Mackerras
The French publication honours 'Mozart Symphonies 38 - 41'
The Finalists have been announced for the 2010 Gramophone Awards and two Linn recordings are in the running!
'Mozart Symphonies 29, 31 (Paris), 32, 35 (Haffner) & 36 (Linz)' by Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Sir Charles Mackerras is a Finalist in the Orchestral category and 'John Ward: Consort music for five and six viols' by Phantasm is a Finalist in the Early music category.
Both recordings were met with critical acclaim upon release. Gramophone reviewer Julie Anne Sadie stated of 'John Ward: Consort music for five and six viols' by Phantasm: "the results on this disc are stunning; but, equally, the recording successfully captures individual voices, so much so that the listener feels almost part of the ensemble". The recording was also named 'Chamber Music Choice' in BBC Music Magazine and BBC 3's CD Review stated: "we can immerse ourselves in their gently sophisticated charms...we can really begin to appreciate the quality of the craftsmanship, and the subtle intensity of the writing. Playing of real eloquence as well and a recording that frames it to perfection".
'Mozart Symphonies 29, 31 (Paris), 32, 35 (Haffner) & 36 (Linz)' was a highly anticipated recording even before its release. It did not disappoint! This recording, sadly the last recording Linn made with the much-missed Sir Charles Mackerras, was met with several accolades and is widely considered the definitive performances of these fine symphonies. The recording was named 'Recommended' by Gramophone, 'CD of the Week' by the Sunday Times and 'IRR Outstanding' by International Records Review and received many five star reviews with BBC online commenting: "each of the disc's five symphonies is a gem in its own right...the glorious results are self-recommending".
The results of the awards will be announced on 1st October, fingers crossed for both of these worthy Finalists.