Mozart: Symphonies, Vol. 9

Album review

The ninth in a cycle of symphonies and other Mozart orchestral works by the veteran Hungarian conductor Adam Fischer, this release falls into a long tradition of rather dry Mozart that's characteristic of Central European conductors. The tradition is updated here by Fischer and the Danish National Chamber Orchestra, who succeed in producing something that's fresh and stands out from among the large crowd of Mozart symphony recordings on the market. Stylistic edges are smoothed down -- the Symphony No. 31 in D major, K. 297 ("Paris"), does not sound terribly French, and the outer movements of the two later symphonies are carefully controlled -- yet the performances are far from characterless. There's a lot of detail in the winds, leading often to a kind of brisk humor. Sample the very crisp, tense finale of the Symphony No. 33 in B flat major, K. 319, for a taste of Fischer's bracing style. One is reminded a bit of another Hungarian, George Szell, and his quip that "one does not pour chocolate sauce on asparagus" in response to someone who asked why he did not invest Mozart with more emotion. Fischer is alert to many small details, such as the foreshadowing of the "Jupiter" symphony finale in that of the Symphony No. 31. While this rather skittering Mozart may not be to all tastes, it's well worth hearing even for the most perfect Mozartian, with a spacious acoustic from the Dacapo label very well suited to the performers' aims.
© TiVo