Mozart Symphonies - SCO & Sir Charles Mackerras - hi-fi +

Sir Charles Mackerras presents a regal account of Mozart's last four symphonies. The playing of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra seems more like a much larger group and they should be proud of the high calibre of the performances on these two discs. I must admit that I am enthralled with the playing of this 37-member chamber orchestra; they are quite brilliant. This is Mackerras' third outing with these symphonies and I feel it may be his best. The ‘Prague' is truly majestic and is perhaps, in the truest sense of the word, the most exceptional performance here. I'd venture to say the runner-up in this set is definitely the ‘Jupiter'. I must advise, however, that if you love your Mozart less spirited, you might not warm to Mackerras' readings of the 39^th and 40^th. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I dislike what he's done, it's that I find the more measured approach of conductors like Bruno Walter and George Szell excels in this repertoire, whereas here they seem a little rushed. But, Mackerras and ensemble provide superb reading of both the Prague and Jupiter and these two alone are worth the price of admission.