Mozart Symphonies - SCO & Sir Charles Mackerras - The Herald

If cross-references are permitted in this territorial age, then Sir Charles Mackerras's new recording of Mozart's last four symphonies constitutes a fine sibling to his Beethoven cycle with the same forces on Hyperion. True, this doesn't have the deliberate naked abrasiveness of the Beethoven, though the monumental opening of the Prague Symphony, the commanding opening flourishes of the Jupiter, and a racily fast set of finales will have you out of your seat with excitement. With its dynamism, clarity and exhilarating playing from the SCO, this is a Mozart set to match any. Sir Charles's vigorous drive and the SCO's electric response are unmistakable. It could be no other team.