Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 29, 30 & 31

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 (K. 186a)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

2. Symphony No. 30 in D major, K. 202 (K. 186b)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

3. Symphony No. 31 in D major ("Paris"), K. 297 (K. 300a)
Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Performed by Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam
Conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: I. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: II. Andante
Symphony No. 1 In E Flat Major, K.16: III. Presto
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: II. Andante
Symphony No. 4 In D Major, K.19: III. Presto
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: II. Andante
Symphony In F Major, K.19a-Anh.223: III. Presto
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: II. Andante
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major, K.22: III. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K.32: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.32: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.32: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.32: IV. Finale
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.81-K.783l: III. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.97-K73m: IV. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.95-K73n: III. Menuetto & Trio
IV. Presto
Symphony No. 11 In D Major, K.84-K73q: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 11 In D Major, K.84-K73q: II. Andante
III. Allegro
Symphony No. 10 In G Major, K.74: I. Allegro - Andante
Symphony No. 10 In G Major, K.74: II. Rondo (Allegro)
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: I. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.87-K74a: III. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.120-K.111-111a: III. Presto
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: I. Allegro
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: II. Andante
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In C Major, K.96-K.111b: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: II. Andante
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 13 In F Major, K.112: IV. Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony In C Major, K.35: Sinfonia: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.38: Intrada: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: I. Serenata: Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: II. Menuetto &Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: III. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: IV. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.200-K62a: V. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: II. Andante
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, K.73: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony In D Minor, K.118-K74c: Overture: Allegro - Andante - Presto
Symphony In F Major, K.75: I. Allegro
Symphony In F Major, K.75: II. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In F Major, K.75: III. Andantino
Symphony In F Major, K.75: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: II. Andante
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: III. Menueto & Trio
Symphony No. 12 In G Major, K.110-K75b: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: II. Andante
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: IV. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 14 In A Major, K.114: V. Anhang: Menuett K.61g
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: II. Andante
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 15 In G Major, K.124: IV. Presto
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony No. 16 In C Major, K.128: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: II. Andante
Symphony No. 17 In G Major, K.129: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 18 In F Major, K.130: IV. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: II. Andante
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 19 In E Flat Major, K.132: Anhang: Andantino grazioso (substitute slow movement)
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K.167a: III. Menuetto & Trio
Symphony In D Major, K.185-K167a: IV. Adagio - Allegro assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: II. Andante
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 20 In D Major, K 133: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: II. Andante
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 21 In A Major, K 134: IV. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 135: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 135: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 135: III. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K 141a: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K 141a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 161 - K 163 - K141a: III. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 26 In E Flat Major, K 184 , K 161a: Molto presto - Andante - Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 27 In G Major, K 199 , K 161b: III. Presto
Symphony No. 22 In C Major, K 162: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 22 In C Major, K 162: II. Andantino grazioso
Presto assai
Symphony In D Major, K 181, K 162b: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony In D Major, K 181, K 162b: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 181, K 162b: III. Presto assai
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: II. Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat Major, K 182, K 173dA: III. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: II. Andante
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173dB: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, K 183, K 173 dB: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 29 In A Major, K 201, K 186a: IV. Allegro con spirito

Tracks:

Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202 , K 186b: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: II. Andantino con moto
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 30 In D Major, K 202, K 186b: IV. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: I. Andante maetoso - Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 203, K 189b: IV. Prestissimo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: I. Allegro spriritoso
Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: II. Andante
Symphony No. 29 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: III. Menuetto (Allegretto) And Trio
Symphony No. 28 In C Major, K 200, K 189k: IV. Presto
Symphony In D Major, K 121, K 207a: I. Allego molto
Symphony In D Major,K 121, K 207a: II. Andante grazioso
Symphony In D Major, K 121, K 207a: III. Allegro
Symphony In D Majr, K 204,K 213a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 204, K 213a: IV. Andantino grazioso - Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: II. Andantino
Symphony In C Major, K 208, K 213c: III. Presto assai
Symphony In D Jaor, K 250, K 249b (Haffner Serernade): I. Allegro maestoso - Allegro molto
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): II. Menuetto galante And Trio
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): III. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): IV. Menuetto And 2 Trios
Symphony In D Major, K 250, K 248b (Haffner Serenade): V. Adagio - Allegro assai
Symphony No. 32 In G Major, K 318: I. Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 32 In G Major, K 318: II. Andante
Symphony No. 32 In G Majaor, K 318: III. Tempo primo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: II. Andante moderato
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat Major, K 319: IV. Allegro assai
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): I. Adagio maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): II. Andantino
Symphony In D Major, K 320 (Posthorn Serenade): III. Presto
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: II. Andante di molto piu tosto allegretto
Symphony No. 34 In C Major, K 338: III. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

March In D Major, K 408, No. 2, K 385a
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: I. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 25 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: II. Andante
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (First Version), K 385: IV. Presto
Symphony No. 36 In Major, 'Linz', K 425: I. Adagio - Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K 425: II. Andante
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K425: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 36 In C Major, 'Linz', K 425: IV. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 31In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (First Version), K 297, K 300a: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: I. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: II. (Andante)
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 35 In D Major, 'Haffner' (Second Version), K 385: IV. Finale (Presto)
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K 504: I. Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K 504: II. Andante
Symphony No. 38 In D Major, 'Prague', K504: III. Presto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: I. Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 39 In E Flat Major, K 543: IV. Finale (Allegro)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: II. Andante
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (First Version), K 550: IV. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: I. Allegro assai
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: II. Andante
Symphony No. 31 In D Major, 'Paris' (Second Version), K 297, K 300a: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: II. Andante cantabile
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 41 In C Major, 'Jupiter', K 551: IV. Molto allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: I. Allegro moderato
Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: II. Andantino
Symphony In A Minor, 'Odense', K 16a, Anh. 220: III. Rondo: Allegro moderato
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: II. Andante
Symphony In G Major, 'Alte Lambach', K 45a, Anh. 221: III. Molto allegro
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: I. Allegro maestoso
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: II. Andante
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In F Major, K 76, K 42a: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: II. Andante
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, K 43: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': I. Allegro
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': II. Andante un poco allegretto
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In G Major, 'Neue Lambach': IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: II. Andante
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 7 In D Major, K 45: IV. Finale
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: I. Allegro
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: II. Andante
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In B Flat Major, K 45b, Anh. 214: IV. Allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: I. Molto allegro
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: II. Andante
Symphony In D Major, K 51, K 46a: III. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: I. Allegro
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: II. Andante
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony No. 8 In D Major, K 48: IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: I. Allegro
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: II. Andante
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 216, K 3 - 74g: III. Menuetto And Trio
Symphony In B Flat Major, Anh. C11.03, Anh. 215, K 3 - 74g: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: I. Adagio maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: II. Andante sostenuto
Symphony No. 37 In G Major, K 444, K 425a, Anh. A53: Mvts II And III By Michael Haydn: III. Finale (Allegro molto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: II. Andante
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: III. Menuetto And Trio (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor (Second Version), K 550: IV. Allegro assai

Amazon.com essential recording

This was the set that really got the "authentic instrument" craze going. It was a big, ambitious project that promised a fresh look at familiar music, as well as lots of exciting new discoveries. Christopher Hogwood tailored his forces to match what we know of the actual size and constitution of the orchestras of the period, and since Mozart wrote symphonies in every country in Europe, including England, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, the result is practically a blueprint of 18th-century orchestral practice. Then everyone else got into the act, and these performances sort of fell off the musical map. Listening to them again, one finds they hold up rather well. There's still the sense of discovery, and of course the music itself is glorious. At budget price, this is history in sound. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

The original, original instrument take.......2007-05-03

A few months ago I bought the Trevor Pinnock Mozart Complete Symphonies (11 cds) and the 250th Anniversary Edition Mozart Symphonies (8 cds) that is not quite a complete symphony cycle. The Anniversary Edition features Harnoncourt on about 5 of the 8 discs. I also have his two CD twofers that cover the early symphonies. So, I more or less ended up with two complete renditions of Mozart's symphonies. I first bought the Harnoncourt early symphony 2fer and enjoyed it enough to buy volume two. This led me to buy the 250 Anniversay 8 cd set. I have not in the least regretted these purchases!

Harnoncourt is the most radical of these three original instrument takes on Mozart, especially in the late symphonies. For example, listen to symphony 29 by each of these three sets and compare them to the Karl Bohm benchmark 29th. Harnoncourt is Ricky Racer and Bohm is Mr. Serene and Majestic.

Obviously, price is only one of the factors in buying. The AAM costs more but has almost twice the music. The AAM set is probably the more collectable since they got there first. This set was issued in multiple lp boxes way back when and I recently watched just one of these boxes, unopened, go for over 80 bucks at EBAY.

There really is quite a sound difference between modern and original instruments. Rhapsody has the Mozart Horn Concertos posted by the AAM using an apparently valveless horn. Listen to this very squeaky rendition and compare it to Brain's to get a feel for the difference. They also have the Philips Complete Mozart Piano Concerto box that features a pianoforte on disc one of concertos 1 to 4. This instrument sounds more like a harpsichord than a piano and took some adjusting to get used to. The Smithsonian put out on vinyl (circa 1980) The Six Brandenburg Concerti by Bach on original instruments. The booklet gives quite a bit of info on the differences in instruments between modern and original. Here are a few snippets: "The brass instruments were, until the 19th century, valveless." This reduced the number of notes available. "The wind instruments of Bach's time had few keys--the transverse flute had one, the oboe two or three, and the bassoon three--calling for contrived fingerings to cover the full chromatic scale." "The music produced by a Baroque bow is characteristically tapered in shape, with great potential for a lively distinction between notes."

The bottom line for me is that Mozart, when well played, conducted, and recorded, sounds great--be it original instruments or modern. Having both modern and original choices is great. Life is wonderful with changes in flavor. I have only listened once to the AAM Mozart symphonies and have not done a compare and contrast between these and Pinnock's, etc. I was impressed by the consistency in performance and that being very good. It is really quite a feat to put out 19 cds and have them sound great from stem to stern. As an ADD recording, these give the DDDs a run for the money. The AAM Mozart Symphony cycle is posted at Rhapsody so you can look before you leap if you are in the market.

The most complete set of Mozart symphonies ever recorded.......2006-08-10

This massive 19 CD collection contains 71 symphonies!

Yes, all 41 of the usual symphonies are here, but another 27 symphonic works are presented, as well as alternative versions of symphonies Nos. 31, 35 & 40. The works are all recorded on period instruments (or modern copies of 18th century instruments) and the orchestra is accompanied throughout by harpsichord continuo. The sounds of the various sections of the orchestra are full of colour and character - the wind and brass players, in particular, make this set such a delightful one.

I also have the Pinnock recording, which contains only the standard 41 symphonies and it is every bit as good. I can really make up my mind which I prefer, although Pinnock's reading of symphony No. 40 is sublime - particularly in the beautiful slow movement. However, Hogwood and his Academy of Ancient Music play almost all these symphonies with great gusto and style. As another reviewer said, Hogwood allows his musicians to simply play the music and let Mozart's music live in a natural and "organic" way, with minimal interference from the conductor.

Each work tells a story and the recordings of these works remind us of the fact that Mozart wasn't some sort of proto-Beethoven, rather, his music was more like the culmination of many 18th century currents, trends and ideas - "Baroque music on steroids", even! ;-))

This is a set which is very close to my heart and I consider it one of the treasures in my home. I return to it often - at any time of the day or night.

Indispensable .......2004-11-13

This set is indispensable for anyone who seriously wants to have a complete Mozart collection. It contains every symphonic work written by Mozart, including second versions of certain late symphonies.

The playing is "alive" and fresh, the sound is full, warm and clear. What you get is not Hogwood's "interpretation"...but music and just the music, this guy understands Mozart and just lets these musicians play with joy, spontaneity, meaning and feeling. I didn't think they would be so good! There are times when you don't even notice that they're playing on period instruments.

This set is completely satisfying and I'm glad I own it. It's a pricy box set, but totally worth it...try to find it used and bask in the glory of Mozart.

Ok, but...........2004-06-30

I will qualify this review by saying that I have not by any means listened to every single symphony on this recording. I listened to several of the symphonies from this set for a conducting class, and spent a considerable amount of time comparing them with other recordings for phrase structure, dynamics, etc. My conclusion:

Overall, I am personally just not impressed by Hogwood. His handling of the phrases is rough, and the music just doesn't seem polished. Occasionally the balance is questionable (for example, several clarinet passages in the first movement of the 39th stick out), and at other points I get the impression that he put little planning into the organization of strong and weak bars. Perhaps it is mostly personal preference, but other conductors really do sound better.

I think that this recording has its place, as there are few boxed sets of all of Mozart's symphonies available, and certainly there was some groundbreaking period instrument work here. I would, however, strongly recommend that anyone considering purchasing this set actually obtain a copy first from a library to decide if this is really what they want.

A milestone set, and worthy of all praise.......2004-04-29

In the 1970s, the Hungarian conductor Antal Dorati recorded all of the 104 symphonies of Franz Joseph Haydn (Amazon asin # B0000042DP). The era of "epic" integral collections was ignited. Many thought the vast majority of Haydn's symphonies would be boring, cookie-cutter works rolled out in almost assembly-line fashion. But Dorati, with excellent help from the Haydn scholar H. C. Robbins Landon, would disprove all of that, and show that there is not a dud in the whole collection. And Dorati's readings have stood the test of time.

Dorati's achievement marked the beginning of an ea that in the next 2 decades would see complete integral sets of the works of every major composer, culminating ultimately in the 1980s with Phiips complete Mozart Edition.

Shortly after Dorati finished his massive project, the Academy of Ancient Music embarked on a complete traversal of all of the "symphonies" of Mozart on period instruments, the currently reviewed item. Not just the traditional 41, but also many lesser know works. More fascinating music was unearthed. But, the milestone of this set is not the discovery of forgotten masterpieces. That had become a common daily occurence. It was the period instrument movement instead that was set free by Hogwood's achievement. With this project, Hogwood did for period instruments what Dorati did for integral cycles of lesser known works. The period instrument movement had been around for a long time. But it never quite could hit "mainstream" until Hogwood made these recordings. And ever since, period instruments have flourished.

There are better recordings of many of the works in this set, both on period instruments and conventional instruments. But the consistency that runs through the set brings an appreciation for Mozart's Symphonies that is unparallelled.

Customer Reviews:

Refulgent, eloquent and masterful performances!.......2006-03-14

Mozart `s Symphony in A major K. 201- the second in this key that he wrote in Salzburg, marks possibly the sublime initiation of the great Symphonic cycle of Wolfgang. And as well as the sublime Ninth Piano Concert constitutes a sort of breakthrough with the previous influences and the true edification of what we should might denominate the Mozart `s style. There was just another magnificent live performance of Sandor Vegh in Caracas 1992 with the Salzburg Academic Orchestra that still vibrates in my musical memory; loaded with special brightness and diamantine opulence.

Harnoncourt `s towering inspiration at those ages and the presence of the radiant and opulent sound of this prodigious Orchestra conform a must-have CD not only because we are commemorating Mozart 's anniversary but besides, you won't find quite easily such vibrant and mercurial conduction.

The only version of the 29th I remind which contends in sumptuousness and solemn phrasing is an old version with Erich Kleiber and the Concertgebouw that has not been released yet in CD. format.

"Paris" Symphony is simply fabulous, expansive and mercurial.

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 26, 28, 29 & 30 [Australia]

Average customer rating:

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 26, 28, 29 & 30 [Australia]
Bohm , and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
ASIN: B00006IM12
Release Date: 2002-01-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 26 In E Flat Major - Molto Presto
Symphony No. 26 In E Flat Major - Andante
Symphony No. 26 In E Flat Major - Allegro
Symphony No. 28 In C Major - Allegro Spiritoso
Symphony No. 28 In C Major - Andante
Symphony No. 28 In C Major - Menuetto: Allegretto - Trio
Symphony No. 28 In C Major - Presto
Symphony No. 29 In A Major - Allegro Moderato
Symphony No. 29 In A Major - Andante
Symphony No. 29 In A Major - Menuetto-Trio
Symphony No. 29 In A Major - Allegro Con Spirito
Symphony No. 30 In D Major - Molto Allegro
Symphony No. 30 In D Major - Andantino Con Moto
Symphony No. 30 In D Major - Menuetto-Trio
Symphony No. 30 In D Major - Presto

Average customer rating:

Splendid
The Ultimate Prague Symphony?

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 38, 29 & 30

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 34, 35 & 39
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40, 31 & 28
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 15-18
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 21-24 & 26
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 19, 20 & 37

ASIN: B0000013KG
Release Date: 1993-02-05

Tracks:

Adagio - Allegro
Andante
Finale: Presto
Allegro Moderato
Andante
Menuetto
Allegro Con Spirito
Molto Allegro
Andantino Con Moto
Menuetto
Presto

Amazon.com

Another fine entry in what would be a worthwhile Mozart series even if it weren't offered at budget price. Barry Wordsworth and his band of hardy Eastern Europeans offer performances strong on rhythmic point, admirably transparent, sensitive, yet unaffected. There's real character in the wind playing, along with a fine sense of the music's charm, as well as its occasional anxiety. Check these performances out. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Splendid.......2004-10-02

Although the woodwind (flute!) on this recording is rather 'breathy' and the recorded sound not as spacious as, for example, the Peter Maag 'Prague' on Arts (as well being clearly in an empty hall with a certain amount of 'echo'), the total impression made is a very good one, with Barry Wordsworth motivating the Capella Istropolitana to a pep-filled performance in the faster movements and some pleasant quieter moments in the andantes. Obviously, it is the 'Prague' symphony which is the showpiece here, and it is given a splendid run, but symphonies 29 and 30 should not be underestimated: I, for one, was grateful that they were included on this CD as I might otherwise never have heard them. Doubtless, there may be higher-priced recordings that top this one, but as a budget-priced introduction to Mozart's symphonies this CD deserves at least four stars.

The Ultimate Prague Symphony?.......1999-12-18

First of all, it is my opinion that Mozart is the greatest of all composers, ever, period. His music is sheer beauty, crafted with an almost indefinable complexity that is equal parts joy, power, urgency and grace. No one has ever managed to duplicate his vision.

I also believe that Symphony No. 38 in D Major ("Prague") is arguably Mozart's greatest achievement. I have roughly 20 different versions of said symphony (Bohm, Marriner, Krips, etc.) -- and most of them are very fine, indeed.

Curiously, it is this particular recording that I keep coming back to when I want to hear "the" version of the Prague. Something very special has been captured on this immaculate sounding Naxos budget disc.

Barry Wordsworth conducts the Capella Istropolitana with the surety of a seasoned veteran. The playing is dramatic but never overstated, blissful without succumbing to cloying sweetness. There is a precise and satisfying punctuation to the symphony's resolving phrases that accentuates Mozart's genius for fitting elements together perfectly in his music.

Tracks:

Synphony No. 21 In A, KV 134: Allegro
Synphony No. 21 In A, KV 134: Andante
Synphony No. 21 In A, KV 134: Menuetto
Synphony No. 21 In A, KV 134: Allegro
Synphony No. 22 In C, KV 162: Allegro assai
Synphony No. 22 In C, KV 162: Andantino grazioso
Synphony No. 22 In C, KV 162: Presto assai
Symphony No. 23 In D, KV 181-162b: 1. Allegro spiritoso - 2. Andantino grazioso - 3. Presto assai
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat, KV 182-173dA: Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat, KV 182-173dA: Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 24 In B Flat, KV 182-173dA: Allegro
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, KV 183-173dB: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, KV 183-173dB: Andante
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, KV 183-173dB: Menuetto
Symphony No. 25 In G Minor, KV 183-173dB: Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 26 In E Flat, KV 184 - 161a: Molto - Andante - Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G, KV 199 - 161b: Allegro
Symphony No. 27 In G, KV 199 - 161b: Andantino grazioso
Symphony No. 27 In G, KV 199 - 161b: Presto
Symphony No. 28 In C, KV 200 - 189k: Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 28 In C, KV 200 - 189k: Andante
Symphony No. 28 In C, KV 200 - 189k: Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 28 In C, KV 200 - 189k: Presto
Symphony No. 29 In A, KV 201 - 186a: Allegro moderato
Symphony No. 29 In A, KV 201 - 186a: Andante
Symphony No. 29 In A, KV 201 - 186a: Menuetto
Symphony No. 29 In A, KV 201 - 186a: Allegro con spirito

Tracks:

Symphony No. 30 In D, KV 202-186b: Molto allegro
Symphony No. 30 In D, KV 202-186b: Andantino con moto
Symphony No. 30 In D, KV 202-186b: Menuetto
Symphony No. 30 In D, KV 202-186b: Presto
Symphony No. 31 In D, KV 297-300a 'Paris': Allegro assai
Symphony No. 31 In D, KV 297-300a 'Paris': Andante
Symphony No. 31 In D, KV 297-300a 'Paris': Allegro
Symphony No. 31 In D, KV 297-300a 'Paris': Andante (Alternative)
Symphony No. 32 (Overture) In G, KV 318: Allegro spiritoso - Andante - Tempo I
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat, KV 319: Allegro assai
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat, KV 319: Andante moderato
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat, KV 319: Menuetto
Symphony No. 33 In B Flat, KV 319: Finale (Allegro assai)

Tracks:

Symphony No. 34 In C, KV 338: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 34 In C, KV 338: Andante di molto
Symphony No. 34 In C, KV 338: Finale (Allegro vivace)
Symphony No. 35 In D, KV 385 'Haffner': Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 35 In D, KV 385 'Haffner': (Andante)
Symphony No. 35 In D, KV 385 'Haffner': Menuetto
Symphony No. 35 In D, KV 385 'Haffner': Finale (Presto)
Symphony No. 36 In C, KV 425 'Linz': Adagio - Allegro spiritoso
Symphony No. 36 In C, KV 425 'Linz': Poco adagio
Symphony No. 36 In C, KV 425 'Linz': Menuetto
Symphony No. 36 In C, KV 425 'Linz': Finale (Presto)

Tracks:

Minuet for a Symphony in C Major, KV 409
Adagio amestoso in G Major, KV 444: (Introduction to a Symphony by Michael Haydn)
Symphony No. 38 in D Major, KV 504: Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 38 in D Major, KV 504: Andante
Symphony No. 38 in D Major, KV 504: Finale (Presto)
Symphony No. 39 In E-Flat, KV 543: Adagio - Allegro
Symphony No. 39 In E-Flat, KV 543: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 39 In E-Flat, KV 543: Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 39 In E-Flat, KV 543: Finale (Allegro)

Tracks:

Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, KV 550: Molto allegro
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, KV 550: Andante
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, KV 550: Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 40 In G Minor, KV 550: FInale (Allegro assai)
Symphony No. 41 In C, KV 551 'Jupiter': Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 41 In C, KV 551 'Jupiter': Andante cantabile
Symphony No. 41 In C, KV 551 'Jupiter': Menuetto (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 41 In C, KV 551 'Jupiter': Molto allegro

Amazon.com

There are only six truly "late" Mozart symphonies--if anything can be called late when the composer died at age 35. These are numbers 35 through 41 (there is no 37, as it's by Michael Haydn). All of the others are fairly early works of varying worth, but they still have plenty of charm and an unflagging fund of melody. Sir Neville Marriner's performances are completely reliable, if perhaps lacking the last ounce of fantasy. You won't be disappointed in any case. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great compilation of Mozart's later symphonies..........2007-03-06

...and few do it better than Sir Neville Marriner. Still, go look for the complete symphonies (ASIN B0000501PD), which is all of his symphonies (some 52 or so including those that are unnumbered). This set can be found much cheaper used...I picked it up for 48 bucks on this site. It has the exact same performances of symphonies 21-41 that are here, plus another 30 or so symphonies and it's 40 bucks cheaper than this set. Look for it, and go get it. I was very impressed with the entire set, Marriner is about as steady as they come for Mozart, with the possible exception of Karl Bohm.

Nice little package.......2002-01-16

Symphonies 21 to 41 ("Jupiter"), with the Minuet in C (K. 409). Solid performances. Are there better? Perhaps--but not in one set like this, really. I think Sir Neville shines more here than in the complete piano concerti set. So spin these discs, lie back, and float downstream. Dig it.

A great package.......2000-08-11

Obviously this is a lot of money to blow all at once. If you can possibly find it used somewhere though, don't hesitate. Marriner and company do an excellent 29th, and to have that AND the 25th AND all the late symphonies in one package is terrific. For my money, only Bruno Walter was a better interpreter of the Mozart symphonies, and then not by much.

Mozar'ts Greatest Symphonies.......2000-08-11

It is through his symphonies that we see a musically mature Mozart. It is a fine example of the symphony itself. It is the Classical Era where the symphony began. The Haydn symphonies of course are probably the most prolific in the genre.. and some would say best. However, Mozart's later symphonies are highlights of the Classical Symphony. Marriner of course, is the best interpretor of Mozart. The symphony 25 shows from its opening movement the "dark" sound that is so definitive of the Romantic Era. Symphony no. 40 and 41 does the same. Mozart's later symphonies move from the classical to the next movement in music. These symphonies are a must have for the lovers of classical music itself... and for the lover of the music of Mozart

Mozart's Peak.......2000-06-19

Although quite an investment, anything so encompassing of Mozart's grandeur is money well-spent. The later symphonies were when he truly perfected the art--I do like 18 & 19 however. Haffner and Linz (35 & 36) are mastered by Mariner, Brendel, and their Academy.