Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 36 "Linz" & 38 "Prague"

Album review

With the range of choices for Mozart's last symphonies on the market, one might wonder whether there was anything truly new to say about these works. After hearing the new recordings by Ensemble Resonanz, of which this is the second, one will wonder no more. Conductor Riccardo Minasi (actually a violinist and a democratically elected leader for these recordings) offers highly subjective readings, with generally fast tempos (sometimes very fast), strong contrasts between different theme groups, and tempo shifts that have until now been considered unidiomatic to the Classical style. His ensemble contains modern strings but period winds, brass, and timpani, creating a unique texture that reveals a good deal of polyphony in the wind writing. Minasi tones down his approach a bit compared with his earlier recording of the final three symphonies. There is nothing here to compare with the rhythmic lurch in the minuet of the Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550, but with the driving rhythms and an intensity added by the wiry historical instruments, the readings feel fresh and have a good deal of tension, right from the opening movement of the Symphony No. 36 in C major, K. 425 ("Linz"). It is puzzling that Harmonia Mundi opted for a church acoustic instead of the Elbphilharmonie, where the orchestra is resident. The sound is a bit murky, but it is not enough to detract from some novel and fully thought-through new Mozart performances.

© James Manheim /TiVo