10 CD Box Set, Including Recording of all Mozart Symphonies, Conducted by Karl Bohm.
CD Reviews
The Best Stereo "Complete" Set
Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 06/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The special challenges of Mozart's symphonies defeat all but a very few conductors. Excellent ensemble is required - which eliminates most "budget" offerings. Excessive speed and hyper-fierce attack must be avoided (goodbye Toscanini, Reiner, Solti and Karajan). There should be a certain degree of humor and wit (adios to Davis, Fricsay, Krips and Tate). Charm and grace are essential (exit Bernstein, Harnoncourt and Mackerras). Being brusque or metronomic is a no-no (pace Klemperer). The playing must be rhythmically secure and avoid bathos (farewell Walter, despite lovely moments). Above all, Mozart requires passion and conviction, which takes out the sterile Marriner. The latter's execution is immaculate, but so is the conception.While I prefer to hear Mozart from a variety of conductors, this Bohm effort strikes me as the finest current "complete" set. However, Bohm is out-classed in several symphonies by individual accounts from other conductors. Here is a brief summary. Abbreviations used: BPO (Berlin Phil), BSO (Boston Sym), CPO (Czech Phil), CRS (Cologne Radio), DPO (Dresden Phil) DSRO (Danish State Radio), LPO (London Phil), LSO (London Sym), MCO (Moscow Chamber Orch), NCO (Netherlands Chamber Orch), NPO (Netherlands Phil), PO (Paris Opera), RPO (Royal Phil), SCO (Saar Chamber Orch), SR (Suisse Romande), VPO (Vienna Phil), VSO (Vienna Sym), and WS (Wintherthur Sym).#1-22. These works are juvenile efforts: Bohm offers well-played, streamlined accounts. Otto Ackermann (1909-60) recorded 1-28, 30-31, 38 & 41 (CHS LPs) in 1952-55. Most were done with NPO, the rest with WS. These are more "gemutlich" than Bohm's, and they remain my first choice for #1-22.
#23. I prefer Schuricht/DPO (Berlin Classics) and Ackermann.
#24 Scherchen's step-son Karl Ristenpart (1900-69) was a superb Mozartean who recorded #24-26, 28-31, and 34-41 with the SCO on French LPs. He re-did 24, 28 & 34 in stereo (MHS LP - sadly, I only have the latter). CD reissues are badly needed. I prefer his #24 to both Bohm and Ackermann.
#25. Ackermann & Bohm are excellent.
#26. Koussevitzky/BSO (LYS) is incredibly virtuosic.
#27. Bohm & Ackermann are excellent.
#28. Ristenpart, Maag/SR (London LP), and Ackermann are tops.
#29. My favorite: Szymon Goldberg/NCO (Epic LP). Scherchen/VSO (Tahra) and Koussevitzky/BSO (LYS) are also great. Bohm is too Walter-ish here.
#30. Bohm's is the best I've heard.
#31. One of Beecham's greatest (RPO on Sony).
#32. Maag/LSO (Decca) is a clear winner.
#33. Erich Kleiber/CRS (Cetra LP) and Carlos Kleiber/VSO (Melodram) are very special.
#34. Ristenpart's is utterly magical. Beecham/LPO (Dutton) and Schuricht/BPO (History) are great, but both omit the Minuet.
#35. One of Bohm's finest, along with Beecham/LPO (Dutton) and Schuricht/VPO (EMI).
#36. Busch/DSRO (EMI) is superb, as are Scherchen/VSO (Tahra), Otterloo/VSO (Epic LP), Bohm, and Beecham/LPO (Dutton).
#38. Maag/LSO (London LP) is magnificent. Other greats: Otterloo (w/36), Sejna/CPO (Supraphon), Ancerl/CPO (Tahra), and Schuricht/PO (Scribendum).
#39. This is the highlight of Bohm's set: superb. My other favorites are Weingartner/LPO (EMI) and Erich Kleiber/CRO (Amadeo LP).
#40. Fritz Lehmann/VSO (DG LP), Scherchen/VSO (Tahra) and Beecham/LPO (Dutton) are my favorites.
#41. Barshai/MCO (Melodiya LP) is a cut above Bohm. I also like the slightly fussy Beecham/LPO (Dutton - NOT his heavy EMI version), Schuricht/PO and Ackermann. Unfortunately, many of these are out of print or hard to find. So here's wishing you happy hunting and many hours of delightful Mozart listening!"
Magnificent Mozart
Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 02/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a relatively recent collector of classical music, I had no idea that Karl Bohm had recorded all of Mozart's Symphonies. (In 1966 when this set was completed, 46 were acknowledged but recent scholarship has uncovered more material -- see Box Sets by Hogwood or Pinnock for those works.) Like many, I owned his DG Originals two-disc set of the last six Symphonies, but the only other Bohm Mozart recordings available domestically were either concerto or opera recordings. It wasn't until Amazon started carrying import titles from the Eloquence series that I realized he had recorded some of the earlier Symphonies as well. After further research I discovered the existence of this box set on a competing website, and I am now delighted that is also available on Amazon. This 10 disc set (in two large, clunky plastic jewel cases instead of a slim, paper sleeved box) is nothing short of spectacular. Bohm's vintage stereo recordings of the last six Symphonies are widely regarded as the best versions, and the care and precision with which he performs those is carried over to the earlier Symphonies as well. I currently own three other Mozart Cycles (Marriner/Krips, Pinnock and the out-of-print Leinsdorf) and have access to others via my dad's collection (Hogwood, Tate, and Marriner 21-41), not to mention the dozens of accounts of other Mozart Symphonies I own (Fricsay, Walter, Karajan, Bernstein, Klemperer, Kubelik, Wand, Szell, Giulini, Britten, etc.). While individual performances by others may be stronger, nothing compares to Bohm from start to finish. DG would be wise to make this set available in their "Collector's Edition" budget-line box set series. As is, the Bohm set is a steal even as a pricey import."
Like a Treasure Chest of Gold
Mark R. De Yoe | San Diego, California United States | 04/07/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After buying many CDs of Mozart's Symphonies by various orchestras and conductors, I reluctantly went for broke and bought this complete set by Karl Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic (having found Bohm and the Berlin Phil my favorite). What I discovered was that this boxed set contains 10 magnificent CDs. Outstanding. Superb. I ended up concluding that my purchase of this life's work, was dollar for dollar, the best thing I had ever purchased in my life. A treasure chest of gold for a tremendous value considering the Composer, Conductor and Orchestra. My absolute highest recommendation."
Karl Bohm was one of the 5 top Mozart conductors of the late
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 08/18/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Karl Bohm was one of the five top Mozart conductors of the 2nd half of the 20th century, along with Thomas Beecham, Bruno Walter, Otto Klemperer, and George Szell. Bohm lived 1894-1981, and these recordings were made 1960-69; Symphonies 40 and 41 were recorded first, the earlier symphonies later in the 1960s. Bohm's experience as a Mozart expert is evident in his recordings of Mozart's operas COSI FAN TUTTE (Decca, DG); THE MAGIC FLUTE (Decca, DG); THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, DON GIOVANNI, IDOMENEO, THE IMPRESSARIO, THE CLEMENCY OF TITUS, and THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO (all DG), as well as numerous live performances of COSI, FIGARO, DON GIOVANNI, and ABDUCTION which have been preserved on various labels. No one can doubt Bohm's authority in Mozart, as his extensive discography proves.
Everywhere in this set Bohm's commitment to Mozart is evident, with a large orchestra, using rich, glowing strings and beautiful winds. Tempos aren't always on the fast side, but are never pokey. Bohm knows just how fast to take each movement for maximum effect. The Berlin Philharmonic, one of the great orchestras of the world, could play these works in their sleep. Listening to this is like riding down the road in a large, well built Cadillac - you have a sense that everything is right, in balance, and just sit back and enjoy the beauty. Listeners looking for a thrill in fast tempos in the faster movements may be disappointed, but there is depth and gravity to Bohm's recordings, not a surface excitement that soon wears thin or goes away after repeated listenings.
Some critics believe this to be the best set of Mozart Symphonies available, yet it isn't sold through regular dealers in the US. Bohm's Mozart complete set has always sold well in England, and is imported from there or Germany. So, this set is of value to those who love Mozart played by a large orchestra. I bought this set (with a different number, same label) from an English supplier in 1993, and enjoy listening to it ever since.
Bohm doesn't take every repeat, if that is important to you. Symphony 34 has the optional Minuet added, yet IV of that piece doesn't take the repeat in either section. (I personally think the lst section needs the repeat). Symphony 26, a short work in 3 connected movements, might benefit from a faster tempo in III: Bohm is a little slow, but the Berlin Philharmonic strings are gorgeous. Symphonies 36, 38-41 are among the best recordings ever made of these works, and are sold as a separate set by DG, in their "Originals" series. I really cannot think of anything else to say, other than if you like Mozart and enjoy the sound of a large orchestra on your stereo, invest in this: you won't be sorry!"
Read my comments on the
paul best | new orleans | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bohm set 35-41.
New EDIT on this review/april 7, 2006.>>>>>>
But to repeat briefly, this is the only set you need. No one tops Bohm. I've heard Mackerras, Levine (both Chicago and Vienna), Klemperer both the EMI and Testament. Klemperer's Testament are pretty good, but I prefer Bohm.
With only bruno Walter and the Columbia SO (Not the New York PO recordings) matches Bohm. For those wondering is they should skip this set and only get the 35-41, la=ike I did, I would say to you, that if you are a big fan of Mozart, then you should pass up the last 6 sym set and get this one.
Well here is a perfect opportunity to pick up the complete syms, inwhich all are quite good in the 1-34...I mean its not like they are "bonus syms" thrown in as extras, they are a charm that is wonder-FUL to hear and get to know.
Tempos, phrasing, tonations, recording sound, instrument quality all are excellent and if I may say so, legendary, as no one will do what Bohm did, ever. This 1960's Berlin Orch was a group of old seasoned players who "knew their Mozart" + the super high quality of instruments they use just bring a Mozart-ian intonation to the recordings. This sound image even surpasses the Walter/Columbia. Walter/Columbia has a bigger band sound, slightly more modern in other words. Nut both the Bohm and Walter are very very close, almost impossible to tell the difference in the 2 as far as tempos/phrasing go.
Yeah Ok Klemperer's testament releases take a honrable mention, but the sound suffers. Are you cool with that Steve Molman?
I should mention if you already have the Mackerras, then just stay with that, IF your policy is one recording is sufficient.
But if you are like me, looking for all the nuances and color of Mozart in the most musical way, then the Bohm/Berlin is a must.
The Mackerras/Prague is my 3rd choice, please ck out my comments on the Mackerras set.
EDIT april 15,2006
I just did a comparison between the Bohm and Walter on st=ym 40. There are times I give the nod to the Bohm, times I give the nod to the Walter. I guess overall I prefer the Bohm. But if you have the chance ck out the Walter.
My vote tally of NO is growing more daily
hehe...I love to be considered against popular vote.
EDIT: I should mention that someone on a classical chat forum told me the reson who Bohm seems to take B Walter's approach to the syms, (almost exact) is because Bohm studied under the great B Walter. Dec 27,2008..I should alos mention unlike the mackerras set which recorded the entire 41 in a matter of months, Bohm took 8 years to complete the recording. No rush job here, the attention to details and subtilities makes this a unique set , never to be surpassed.
Track Listings (47) - Disc #1