Mozart in the Style of Mozart
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 04/26/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fabio Biondi continues to make a special niche for himself in visiting lesser-known classic works and conducting his fine ensemble Europa Galante in numerous recordings that introduce significant performances of the highest caliber. His role as conductor is best exemplified in the recordings of Vivaldi's opera 'Bazajet', 'Il cimento dell'armonia e dell'invenzione', 'L'Estro Armonico - 12 Concertos Op. 3', 'Sonate di Dresda', 'Concerti per mandolini', and 'The Four Seasons'; Scarlatti's 'La Santissima Trinita' and 'Concerti & Sinfonie'; and works by Telemann, Tartini, Geminiani, and Ligrenzi!
In this new recording Biondi elects to survey Mozart's violin concerti 1 - 3, playing as well as conducting the Europa Galante. The pacing and performance of the works are impeccable and Biondi allows his solo violin line to rise organically from his ensemble. The sound is a bit thin (not the lushly rich golden-throated sound of, say, Cho Liang Lin), but the sound is closer to the method of playing from Mozart's time. This is a Baroque ensemble performance and as such it is refreshing and exciting.
These concerti performances are perhaps not for everyone's ear, but Fabio Biondi is an important presence on the music stage today and it is a bit of fresh air to hear Mozart interpreted through his knowledgeable insight. Grady Harp, April 06"
Italianesque Mozart
Alan Lekan | Boulder, CO | 03/19/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As Mozart progressed in his career, the pianoforte became his prominent instrument for showcasing virtuosity (as in the keyboard sonatas and concertos). However, the young Wolfgang was equally well known for his amazing feats on violin - no less spurred on by his father who was a legendary violin expert. Early in his career, the young Mozart returned from a tour of Italy, greatly inspired by the sounds of the cantible singing of the Italian opera and famous concerto factories of Vivaldi, Corelli and others. Shortly after - between 1773 and 1776 - he wrote his 5 concertos for violin and orchestra. Even within these three years, we can see the consummate maturation of the composer as by the fifth, he had a true, complete masterpiece. In these concertos we see Italian inspritation, Austrian flavors, German structure and even the latest, fashionable Turkish influences in the magnificent 5th concerto.
Given this history, perhaps it is fitting to spice up the typical graceful, galante manner of Mozart's era with some additional Italianesque expression as is seen from the period ensemble of Fabio Biondo and the Europa Galante. But, whether the results are considered a success is completely a personal matter. Case in point: ClassicsToday loved Biondi's expressiveness and license to explore beyond the galante boundries of Mozart's time (9/10 rating). However, across the pond, UK-based Gramophone gave this CD a completely scathing review, criticising it for most of the same points ClassicsToday cited as wonderful.
I have to side in the middle of these extremes. Mr. Biondi and the Europa Galante are one of my favorite Baroque period groups. Their recordings of Vivaldi, Boccherrini and the Bach Violin Concertos are marvelously expressive and satisfying. But, such expression may fit better for the era of the Italian virtuoso violinist than it does for Mozart's music which above all aims for grace, elegance, charm and relative restrainted manners. Some may find Biondi's rubato, orchestral paces and flavors just a bit beyond what works best for this music, composer and era. Especially for those who benchmark Mozart by the great Mozartians like Arthur Grumiaux or Henryg Szeryng, Europa Galante's Mozart may be too self indulgent and lacking in that aristocratic grace and charm of the era of the Court, Dukes and Galas. Perhaps, this is all mere fussy nitpicking as this CD is quite satisfying. The playing is of top calibre for sure, its just the style that may disagree for Mozart purists. But, regardless, all should be able to agree the sonics of top notch, as was also noted by ClassicsToday. Compositions - 4.5 stars; Performance - 4 stars; Sound Quality - 5 stars."
Mozart played with loveliness
Marius Bogdan Florea | 04/01/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This version of Mozarts Violin concertos played on period instruments goes straght to your hearts..Its a the most "ïtalienesque " and joyfull version i got , together witn Andrew Manze s No s 3-4 and 5... Highly reccomended"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1