Mozart Symphonies - SCO & Sir Charles Mackerras - Early Music Review

Right from the ominous opening bars of the ‘Prague' it is clear that these are going to be powerful, individual readings. There is nothing unconsidered, nothing hurried in the dashing, carefully articulated allegros, with expressive strings, penetrating (period) brass and crisp timpani. The woodwinds have plenty of opportunities to show their considerable skills, expertly balanced against the strings. Sir Charles's sure feel for tempo ensures that the Andantes unfold at an ideal pace, and the minuets and trios, while nicely contrasted, are much more than mere dance movements (I did think the pace chosen for the Menuetto of K543 was over fast for Allegretto). The booklet has a fine article by Neal Zaslaw and a thoughtful note from Mackerras himself. The recording is excellent quality, clear and focused. One tiny criticism of the otherwise admirable Linn presentation and packaging: not until one lifts the second CD does one actually see the picture of Mozart in the famous Masonic lodge painting - the album cover cuts off the extremities of the canvas.