Posted by Karl Erik Sylthe , March 2008. English translation September 2013

It is not the first time Linn Records release a recording of music by Mozart played by Scottish Chamber Orchestra , conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras . Earlier this label released Mozart 's Requiem with the same crew , in addition to a recording of the music of Bartok and Kodaly . If we go outside Linn Records productions , we discover that Sir Charles Mackerras has conducted the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in releases of all of Mozart 's symphonies on another audiophile label, Telarc . And in addition, this duo recorded a number of Mozart 's other works, including several operas .

Sir Charles Mackerras is a Mozart expert, and it is very interesting to notice the difference in approach compared to my earlier reference to these last of Mozart 's symphonies written in what is called the Vienna period. In terms of recordings on D.G. of Berliner Philharmonikerne conducted by Karl Böhm it to me clearly more temperament , commitment and passion in interpretations of SCO and Mackerras . The pace is also higher , but without any point being near to cause rendering perceived as superficial. Compared with the recordings performed by SCO / Mackerras on Telarc , it is natural enough far greater affinity in temperament and commitment. Nevertheless , there are clear differences in the recordings - no need to do without any of them.

It is found in both recordings , the Mozart interpretations that are able to clarify a phenomenon which for me is one of the fascinates with Mozart. There are often several musical " events " which apparently takes little independently, but which nevertheless magically creates a musical whole. They walk together but are independent individuals. Also another distinctly Mozart phenomenon is the closest vibrant rendition found in such 2. movement in symphony no.40 ( Andante ) on Linn Records release especially this masterfully performed , where the pulsation is clearly done just so much that in inattentive moment can almost confuse breath with exhalation. Or to put it another way - how gravity really is .

While reviewing these recordings I have been aware of the fact that there are different practices when it comes to the length of some of the movements of Mozart 's symphonies. In these interpretations come this phenomenon especially ahead symphony no. 38, set 1 , 39-4 , 40-2 and 4 as well 41-1 , 2 and 4 I do not know what is the reason for this different interpretation practice , where there are variations far beyond the speed differences. Mackerras uses consistently longer focuses both on the Telarc recordings and Linn Records than the majority (but not all ) do. What is the most accurate I have no knowledge of , and need only be satisfied to establish that such a magnificent performance of 2. movement in symphony no. 40 very often can last for more than thirteen minutes .

The sound on Linn Records SA- CDs never disappoints. Also on this double hybrid SA- CD we find a sound that is known LR - quality , though not quite tops the best recordings that have come from this label before. Very good dynamics and clarity on most rates are pushed down by some of the rates are not quite top class . This includes the last movement of No.39 . But we are still at a very high level , which makes the " fives " as far as the rock also sound.

Very inspiring - if not surprising - the sound quality of the download file in the format "Studio Master " ( in Flac ) from Linn Records of the same andante - rate in no.40 exceeded the quality of SA- CD with very clear margin. Basically I'd thought that these should be fairly similar ( if not exactly the same ) . SA- CD has been played on a test copy of Linn akurat CD , while Studio Master was playing on my newly acquired akurat DS.

The Studio Master and DS on the other hand can not match , of course, the joy of a restrained but enriching surround reproduction as found in this sparkling SA- CD release of Mozart 's last four symphonies. Highly recomended!

Postscript: Sir Charles Mackerras died 14 July 2010. The text above was originallly written in 2008, and does not reflect this.