Mozart - Violin Concertos

[Masolino]

Another great Mozart violin concerto recording to consider apart from the Mutter 2-for-1 deal:



Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos 1-3

Fabio Biondi (soloist and director)
Europa Galante
Virgin Verita 3447062

This disc contrasts interestingly with the Manze recording of Nos. 3-5
(recommended above) in their interpretative approaches. Biondi definitely
takes a bolder and weightier way with the music (even at tempi that
are no less fleeting), making these concertos seem more substantial
and sophisticated (as opposed to being merely pretty and charming)
than ever to sensitive listeners. The recording quality is very good,
warm and spacious with the continuo fortepiano readily audible even
in tht tutti sections. I don't particularly care for using "salon" pictures
of the artist for classical cd covers (even though Biondi, being Italian,
certainly looks more charismatic than the other Mozart artist I am currently
listening, Bart van Oort), but understand that this has all but become
standard practice with most major classical firm apart from harmonia
mundi.

 

[Bunnyears]

As I have a great deal that Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante have done, this does look very tempting. However, I should mention that I found the Manze SACD on sale and purchased that and am truly loving it.

 

[Masolino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears As I have a great deal that Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante have done, this does look very tempting. However, I should mention that I found the Manze SACD on sale and purchased that and am truly loving it.

I think it suffices to say that Biondi's and Manze's Mozart are as different as their Vivaldi. It would be very interesting when Biondi records 4th and 5th and when Manze does 1st and 2nd concertos: we will then have two excellent sets on period instruments that complement each other.

 

[giovanni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Masolino Another Mozart Violin Concerto album hot off the press!! Given the rather negative press here of Mutter's new album (whose cover picture I cannot stand), I would think Manze is preferrable. Anyone else heard this?

this (well, to be exact the SACD version) is the most amazing recording and performance I have ever heard - may be the speed of the execution surprised me a bit, but absolutely incredible. I heard it at the meet where someone had it with him...I am actually ordering right now and that is why I was here, checking to see what else I should get

gio

 

[giovanni]

note that there is the same in SACD, which is what I listened, and I would imagine it is definitely worth the extra few $.

gio
Quote:

Originally Posted by Masolino Dear Bunnyears, I have fixed the picture where I had first posted about Manze's Mozart (supersized it, too! ) And here's an internet link to the album for your reference: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...1963241?n=5174 It's currently on sale Re: Mutter's Mozart: so it isn't really that bad then?? Actually I have heard some pretty positive things said about it. But I have decided I don't need more Mozart violin concertos for now anyway - I am pitching my money on the new Lars Vogt's disc of sonatas (EMI, 2 for the price of 1) since I don't have any of that music on a modern piano yet.

 

[Masolino]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giovanni note that there is the same in SACD, which is what I listened, and I would imagine it is definitely worth the extra few $. gio

Sure. I'd love to hear Biondi's recording (posted above) in SACD as well, but EMI has never shown any interest in releasing SACD's at all. Actually the future of this format does seem rather uncertain at this moment.

 

[Purgatos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giovanni this (well, to be exact the SACD version) is the most amazing recording and performance I have ever heard - may be the speed of the execution surprised me a bit, but absolutely incredible. I heard it at the meet where someone had it with him...I am actually ordering right now and that is why I was here, checking to see what else I should get gio

I believe MikeG had it at the National Meet. I heard it through the Orpheus system and I'm still recovering.

 

[Bunnyears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purgatos I believe MikeG had it at the National Meet. I heard it through the Orpheus system and I'm still recovering.

I bought the recording in SACD, and it sounds fantastic through my speakers. Btw, the multichannel SACD sounds much better than the 2 channel SACD layer which in turn sounds much better than the redbook layer, which sounds wonderful through my sensaphonics.

 

[mikeg]

I did bring this recording to the NY meet, and it has the best sound of any of my CDs. This recording was selected as the "recording of the month" in one of the last couple of months' issues of Stereophile magazine. At least I think that's were I saw it, and that's why I bought it.

 

[giovanni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeg I did bring this recording to the NY meet, and it has the best sound of any of my CDs. This recording was selected as the "recording of the month" in one of the last couple of months' issues of Stereophile magazine. At least I think that's were I saw it, and that's why I bought it.

OK,cool, I guess that was you then. I borrowed it from you for a minute because I had not realized it is SACD hence would not play on my laptop. But I did listen to it on those kick ass systems in the back and man, I can wait to get my copy (on its way)

 

[giovanni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purgatos I believe MikeG had it at the National Meet. I heard it through the Orpheus system and I'm still recovering.

you got it dude !!!! same hear, it was quite an experience.

 

[giovanni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Purgatos I believe MikeG had it at the National Meet. I heard it through the Orpheus system and I'm still recovering.

btw, that might be a great example to show how important the recording is. I would bet you that the incredible sound we heard on the Orpheus and those other high-end systems, with that CD, was only in part the result of the systems' performance but in greater part the result of an amazing recording. I can say this loud as I have heard other CDs on those system that were sooo bad.

 

[Bunnyears]

It also helps that it was Mozart. If the music were written by Herb Alpert, I doubt it would have gotten the same reaction.

 

[giovanni]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunnyears It also helps that it was Mozart. If the music were written by Herb Alpert, I doubt it would have gotten the same reaction.

may be, even though I've got to tell you, I was much more impressed by the SQ than the actual music as performed, that sound was what really strucked me.

Anyhow, I only listened for a few seconds, my copy is on the way so I will find out more.

 

[Bunnyears]

Quote:

Originally Posted by giovanni may be, even though I've got to tell you, I was much more impressed by the SQ than the actual music as performed, that sound was what really strucked me. Anyhow, I only listened for a few seconds, my copy is on the way so I will find out more.

Mozart was a genius at composing music that seems utterly simple and yet is unbelievably complex. It also helps that his music has an incredible beauty. If he were a painter, he would be Leonardo da Vinci.