Mozart: Symphonies

 

The glory of this set of Mozart symphonies is the vivacious, joyful abandon injected into the early symphonies. While this view of the music is carried over into the composer's mature symphonies as well, Hungarian conductor Ádám Fischer takes less chances with those later works.

Of course, these 'chances' Fischer takes may drive some listeners batty. Generally, Fischer's interpretations are speedy tempos, lessened string vibrato, punchy winds, and strong timpani, yet it is his choice of instrumental phrasings which might raise some eyebrows. Rarer still, are some smaller choices like taking rests or small musical moments out of tempo, allowing specific winds to peek out of the texture, using solo strings in the Trio of the Minuet, and more audacious, having the strings play col legno. None of these latter elements ever last for long; they are simply mere spice sprinkled on to catch the listener's attention.

Most regular listeners of Mozart's symphonies usually begin with Symphony no. 25 or the Paris Symphony. Truth be told, some might hold out for the last handful or just the named symphonies, where we find the composer at his most mature stature as a composer. That is what makes this set special, as Fischer breathes life into the youthful works, ones often skipped over by Mozart enthusiasts. Fischer doesn't play them with utmost seriousness nor velvet-gloved delicacy, but instead lets 'em rip, and they can surprisingly withstand such treatment.

The Da Capo sonics are a treat, although these are all CDs compared to the original 12 individual SACD volumes. The string section retains its importance, yet the winds sound out clearly, not merely coloring the strings, but sounding out as partners in the music. While I enjoy the modern instruments of the Danish National Chamber Orchestra, as a personal preference, I would have liked vibrato in the strings, but those who enjoy such things should be pleased. My ears adjusted over time.

The physical media is nice, with the 12CDs each housed within a cardboard sleeve and a large booklet with interviews and various articles all coming in a clamshell box. Da Capo orders the symphonies chronologically, another nice feature until you get to Symphonies 35 - 39 which pairs them out of order for some reason. Otherwise, this is a prime product. Oddly, Fischer does not include Symphony no. 32, even though there are a few other Italian Overture-based symphonies contained in this set.

If you are looking for a complete set of Mozart Symphonies, I would say go for this one. It sounds great, and if you are on board with Fischer's abounding joy in this music, it should be an easy choice. Certainly I am happy with it, despite personal qualms.

 

 

 

Performers
Danish National Chamber Orchestra
Ádám Fischer, conductor

Label: Da Capo
Year: 2013
Total Timing: 11.55.15

What a breath of fresh air this set was for this listener, especially among the many early symphonies of Mozart's impressive and well-traveled youth.

Fischer offers some performing idiosyncrasies, but usually they are far and few between. I may yearn for a Böhm style orchestral sound, yet I can't argue with the musical joie de vivre at hand.

Da Capo's sound is terrific!

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