Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Orchestra: Columbia Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Bruno Walter
Audio CD
Number of Discs: 1
Format: DSD64 (iso)
Label: Sony
Size: 2 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: iso
Symphony no.38 in C major K. 504 “Prague”
01. I. Adagio – Allegro
02. II. Andante
03. III. Finale. Presto
Symphony no.40 in G minor K. 550
04. I. Molto allegro
05. II. Andante
06. III. Menuetto. Allegretto
07. IV. Allegro assai
Bruno Walter conducts the 38th (“Prague”) and the famous 40th symphonies of Mozart. A legend of the podium in his indian summer, conducting works he had learned from Gustav Mahler 60 years earlier. Necessary listening.
Listening to the SACD transfer of this classic recording is akin to seeing the ceiling of the Sistine chapel after its restoration. It is as if a layer of grime has been removed, revealing the glory underneath. Unlike any previous LP or CD versions, this SACD has an amazing transparency, immediacy, and warmth. There is some tape hiss, but this is far preferable to the “no noise” transfers that strip away the music as they remove the noise. This untampered recording is incredibly realistic. To convince yourself, listen to the beginning of the “Prague” symphony: the basses literally leap out of the right speaker and grab you by the throat. Wow!!!
…
The well known musical art of conduction of Bruno Walter arises suspicion in those modern times due the impressive versatility of his musical preferences. But if I was required the composer he shone with radiant majesty and sublime intensity; I had to pronounce: Mozart.
Today as yesterday, the legend would seem to make us forget us the marvelous interpretations of Walter during the thirties, forties and early fifties around Wolfgang Amadeus. And I underline this period, because after 1954 his recordings simply never achieved the distinguished refinement and artistic commitment.
So if you are a hard fan of Mozart it would be very convenient to intend to get all what Walter recorded with mercurial vehemence in those two decades.
His Mozart certainly acquired a vertiginous impulse since the first bar, conveyed us instantaneously to Mozart’s universe without restraints, breathing such Dionysian atmosphere that had nothing to do with the level of virtuosity but the given approach that came from the soul and spirit. The process of articulation was organically perfect, you could distinguish that environment, hovered of that touch of class invisible beneath the score.
These are true musical milestones in the musical universe. And finally I would like you to recommend a special edition, composed by four CD edited in France and fortunately available in Amazon France, released in January 2007.
After Sandor Vegh, there has not been such conductor who had felt with major conviction and artistic persuasiveness like Walter.