Mozart as Wallpaper

 

It couldn't be worse than what my Grandmother had on her walls.

I have grown tepid with this recording over time, as I have with Sir Colin Davis with Dresden elsewhere.

I think at the time, it was a set of overtures from a modern-instrument ensemble, an increasing rarity in Mozart. Now, there is much to be had, from past and present, and much better too.

This is why I always re-listen and often. What was once treasure becomes a has-been, and what was not to my tastes becomes a new favorite. The possibility of me coming back to this recording again and loving it are about 50/50, but I wouldn't hedge my bets even so.

A review from 2000

This Mozart overture collection contains 12 of Mozarts overtures, some quite familiar and others not as well known, but still full of charm. This collection contains overtures of a young Mozart to an older Mozart; lesser known to infamous. For die-hard Mozart fans, a definite must-have.

Mozart's younger and less-known operas, and subsequently the overtures, lack a little in inventiveness. However, even at a young age, Mozart's ability to construct a tuneful melody, as well as engaging orchestrations are unbelieveable. His earlier overtures really resemble Baroque overtures; usually in three sections, fast/slow/fast, the music didn't nessecarily have anything to do with the action. It is his more mature overtures, beginning with Idomaneo, that Mozart is more creative in melding the music of the overture with the theme of the opera. Also, his melodies and orchestrations exhibit some forward-looking composition shared in his piano concertos. He also makes the overture into one contiunous movement with little to no development. Of particular note, the bubbling opening melody from the Marriage of Figaro to the compex, but dramatic fugal opening to the Masonic-based Singspiel The Magic Flute. The music is captivating and fresh.

Sir Colin Davis and the Dresden Staatskapelle are crisp and clean, much like a chamber ensemble. Davis does not use a heavy hand, and the execution is terrific. The hall adds to the dry sound, still giving the ensemble a full, modern sound, but with the technique that a classical era composition needs. Twelve overtures on a digital, sonically pleasing disk is a must have; this one works perfectly well.

 Listen on YouTube

 

 

Performers
Staatskapelle Dresden
Sir Colin Davis, conductor

Label: RCA
Year: 1999
Total Timing: 61.20

 

 

 

There are many surveys of Mozart's overtures out there for every listening taste. Big band, period band, mandolin band. Ones ability to imagine is the only limit to what is possible.

I imagine better, although this recording is far from bad. That would be my grandmother's wallpaper.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find more Mozart recordings HERE!