Symphony No.35 In D Major, K. 385 'Haffner': I. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No.35 In D Major, K. 385 'Haffner': II. Andante
Symphony No.35 In D Major, K. 385 'Haffner': III. Menuetto; Trio
Symphony No.35 In D Major, K. 385 'Haffner': IV. Finale: Presto
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550: I. Molto allegro
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550: II. Andante
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550: III. Menuetto: Allegretto; Trio
Symphony No.40 in G minor, K.550: IV. Allegro assai
Symphony No.41 in C major, K.551 'Jupiter': I. Allegro vivace
Symphony No.41 in C major, K.551 'Jupiter': II. Andante cantabile
Symphony No.41 in C major, K.551 'Jupiter': III. Menuetto: Allegretto; Trio
Symphony No.41 in C major, K.551 'Jupiter': IV. Molto allegro
These exceptional Mozart performances perfectly combine classical poise with just the right touch of sentiment. In the 1960s, when these recordings were first released, their comparative lack of emotional indulgence prompt... more »ed Szell to remark, "I cannot pour chocolate sauce on asparagus." Now, when the "authentic instrument" movement has given us Mozart performances that seem as though they were conducted by robots, these seem to be just the ticket. It's not just that the playing is exceptional, which of course it is, but rather that there's also the natural clarity of each strand in the musical texture. Check out, for example, the finale of the "Haffner" symphony, which is performed as quick as possible--as Mozart demands--but with such elegance, too. At a budget price, this disc is an incredible bargain. --David Hurwitz« less
These exceptional Mozart performances perfectly combine classical poise with just the right touch of sentiment. In the 1960s, when these recordings were first released, their comparative lack of emotional indulgence prompted Szell to remark, "I cannot pour chocolate sauce on asparagus." Now, when the "authentic instrument" movement has given us Mozart performances that seem as though they were conducted by robots, these seem to be just the ticket. It's not just that the playing is exceptional, which of course it is, but rather that there's also the natural clarity of each strand in the musical texture. Check out, for example, the finale of the "Haffner" symphony, which is performed as quick as possible--as Mozart demands--but with such elegance, too. At a budget price, this disc is an incredible bargain. --David Hurwitz
"I have several other performances of all three of these Symphonies recorded on this CD, but not one of those performances equals that as performed by the Cleveland Orchestra and George Szell on this wonderful and inspiring CD. I don't think I have ever heard the Haffner Symphony played as well, especially the Finale, where the speed and clarity work to bring this movement to almost heavenly heights in music. Symphony 40 is the Orchestra and Szell at their finest, with the music sounding so rich and emotional. The Jupiter Symphony, with a much briefer "molto allegro" than I have listened to in other performances, is spectacularily played, with all the finese and power that Mozart would have wanted.But this CD is worth the price for just the Haffner Symphony alone. It's the best recorded performance of this symphony that I have heard to date, performed by an orchestra that has, in my opinion, no equal in the world. Please purchase this CD and be reborn again in the glorious music of Mozart!"
Simply excellent
Ray Barnes | Surrey, British Columbia Canada | 03/31/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For those who enjoy Mozart played on modern instruments, this Szell recording is well worth hearing even at full price. To those who find this sort of practice objectionable, I would mention that in the course of the compositon of the piano concertos, the piano itself changed dramatically in number of keys and range of sound, and Mozart, without hesitation, exploited every new sound opportunity that he could. Had these orchestral instruments been available to Mozart, he would almost certainly have written for them. All 3 symphonies can be accommodated onto one disc as Szell has omitted exposition repeats. This decision does not in any way diminish the stature of any of these pieces; the Jupiter in particular provides ample weight by the accuracy and precision of the orchestral playing. The sound quality from Severance Hall in Cleveland is very good for early stereo, and practically every note of the scores can be heard clearly. Szell plays these scores without interpretative exaggeration, letting the notes speak for themselves, and this disciplined approach works as well in his Mahler 6th as it does here. A very generous programme at a modest cost. Strongly recommended."
Fabulous Mozart
Darryl Roberson | Dallas, Texas | 11/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many reviews were instrumental in bringing me to the Szell/Cleveland recordings, and my collection is now full of them. I love Mozart's music, and I spent a lot of time and money comparing different recordings of these symphonies. Finally, I put the Szell/Cleveland disc back in my player, and listened for those passages that bothered me in other recordings ... I made a fist, gritted my teeth, and said "Yes, this is the one!" You really can't go wrong with any of the Szell/Cleveland recordings."
Very Very strong musicianship at every level
Douglas Beckerman | Sherman Oaks, California USA | 10/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just as with virtually everything else that Szell and his Clevelanders recorded in the late 50's thru the late 60's, this is superbly crafted music-making. It is a shame that he never recorded the "Linz" or the "Prague" symphonies with HIS orchestra. These present recordings ahain show the microscopic read of the score that the maestro was famous for throughout his career...not one note out of place, sheer perfection in balance and pitch, a kinetic drive and virtuosity of the highest level. What a shame Dr. Szell isn't still around. Granted, he would be 102 years old...but wasn't Stokowski still shaking his baton at 95?"
Mozart Lovers, This is It!!!!!
Shota Hanai | Torrance, CA | 01/08/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Mozart's symphonies, unlike those of Romantic composers don't have taken too deeply when it comes to emotions; what's more important would have to be the technical side of the pieces, and Maestro George Szell is the man for the job, and Symphonies 35, 40, and 41 are no exceptions. His performance is light, confident, and crisp, and at the same time, never overexpressive or demanding(such as Karajan), nor too dull or straightforward. The balance is perfect.
An absolute album at a budget price. Never hesitate to buy it."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
