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Sat, 02 Sep 2006

Mozart Symphonies

Mozart, Symphonies 40 and 41
Les Musiciens du Louvre
Marc Minkowski
LP, Archiv Production

Here are two of Mozart's most famous and most performed symphonies. Funnily enough, for those who think of "the light and airy grace" of Mozart, these two are not really examples of that: They are more on the cusp to Beethoven and the Romantics. The popularity is thus easy to explain -- modern audiences are mostly in thrall to the Romantics. If you, like me, consider that they are largely pompous and overblown, and make too much noise altogether, then there are still reasons to have these two in your collection.

What are they? Sorry, it's just a rule. You should have got the card with the rule on it when you bought your first classical CD. There are other rules as well which I'll reveal in due course. Beyond stupid rules, there is also the fact that these pieces are examplars of skill in the art of composition, and besides, they are not quite Romantic.

Also, Les Musiciens du Louvre (who actually have Grenoble as their base) have produced a recording with great panache so if you already have this (and some performances are turgid) you should have a listen and see what you think. (Baron K)

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