Search - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Martin Pearlman, Boston Baroque :: Mozart: Flute Concertos; Symphony No. 41 "Jupiter"

Mozart notoriously disliked the flute; it's all the more remarkable therefore that he composed two such delightful concerti for the instrument. This CD covers them both, and Jacques Zoon, playing a "period" flute (a copy of an 18th-century instrument, pitched a half-tone lower than normal), offers up both virtuosity and charm, catching the wit of the outer movements (and playing his own, stunning, showy cadenzas) and the warmth of the central movements. His tone is bright without being shrill (and the recording is spectacularly clean and clear), his fast passage work impeccable, his legato song-like and smooth. The Boston Baroque, also, of course, a period instrument band, shine, with the strings never giving way to a hint of scratchiness--always a danger in "historically informed performances." The concerti are followed by Mozart's final symphony, a jubilant work with more mass than most of his symphonies. From the opening, brief motif, which is repeated a moment later after a descending "sigh," it's clear that Maestro Pearlman will not be playing the work daintily. But neither does he overemphasize the work's percussion and brass; indeed this is a superbly balanced reading of this glorious work. The second movement unfolds with elegance and the Menuetto, well, actually swings lyrically. The famous finale, in which five different motifs introduced within the first six or so minutes of the movement meet and exult in a contrapuntal frenzy that is as entertaining as it is complex, is spotlessly played and articulated. This CD is a wonderful hour-and-17 minutes of music. --Robert Levine