Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jack Brymer, Winds of the London Symphony Orchestra :: Mozart: Complete Wind Music

Good but not excellent

alessandro dosio | 09/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this disc in order to have all the great wind serenades (K388, K375 and K361) in a single set and (of course) for the reputation of the London Wind Soloist (A.Civil, for example, is wonderful as usual, especially in the divertimenti). Unfortunately, these recordings don't satisfy me at all; even if the interpretation could be good, the sound is quite sharp and bad balanced (the oboes are too close and I don't like the clarinets sound), and, finally, there are some technical imperfections. I suggest the Holliger Wind Ensemble (Hermann Baumann, Eduard Brunner, Heinz Holliger, Louise Pellerin, Elmar Schmid, Klaus Thunemann, Radovan Vlatkovic, Matthew Wilkie) for a very good recording of the K388 and K375 serenades. Anyway, this set is "not bad despite the flaws" as said by another reviewer and the price could be a real advantage."

Average Musicianship

B. Hackman | Memphis, USA | 03/09/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I found that, though the players' technique was sound, the blending of the parts and the intonation, especially, should have been better. They sounded like they were playing period instruments. Whether or not they were, was not given in the notes. Anyway, they lacked a sonority and tonal purity which is present in better recordings. Notably, the B flat serenade was a little raw sounding, missing the unadulterated sound which Mozart demands of his winds. Just look at the recording by Academy of St.Martin in the Fields for the soundtrack to the film, Amadeus. The adagio movement was far superior. To sum up, unless you find a more reputable ensemble's recording of these works, it is still a good investment for a classical collection."

Comprehensive collection at a great price! Good recordings.

Brandon D. Jones | Cincinnati, Ohio | 11/01/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 3 CD set is a must have for the wind ensemble listener. It's the most complete collection of Mozart's wind chamber compositions available. The playing is excellent and interpretations are great. Thanks Amazon!"