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Deft touch
Maag had a deft touch with certain repertoire, Mendelssohn in particular. But here, he demonstrates - to perfect effect - his musical discernment, sensitivity, and transparent approach in these Mozart Notturnos and Serenades. Wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable performances. Gil Sullivan
United StatesBeautiful recording
Here, Kenneth Wilkinson and HDTT have given us a beautiful recording of Mozart’s music with rich, warm and full acoustics. The stage is deep and wide and projects an amazing illusion of four orchestras on side 1. This is one of Decca’s very best early stereo recordings and features a perfect performance by Peter Maag and near perfect sound quality. Highly recommended.
United KingdomSuper
Great music and performance, classic Wilkie/Decca sound. What more do you want?!
United StatesLike he said . . . .
Just read Ruston's review and treat it as an understatement. The King Thamos Interludes are a special revelation of what Mozart had up his sleeve and might have shown Vienna and the world if only, as Beethoven put it, they were ready for it.
United StatesA triumph, from start to finish
Peter Maag is one of the finest Mozartians of the last century, and also among the most undervalued conductors. Rare to find among conductors on the international scene, Maag had an aversion to popular success and notoriety. He would regularly take himself away to a monastery to escape and regain personal balance and perspective. The result was a regular derailment of his career. But it perhaps contributes to the clarity of his musical view. The Notturno in D major for 4 Orchestras receives a glorious performance of terrific vitality. It is a full-blooded, life-affirming performance, as are each of the other works on this album. As a matter of interest, the solo second violin in the Serenata notturna is Neville Marriner, he who would later be Sir Neville Marriner. This album is a triumph, from start to finish. No, it is not a historically informed performance, but it is a performance of vibrancy, clarity, and ultimate musicality. As a reviewer once observed, the final interlude from the Thamos Interludes will lift you out of your seat. And the recording by Kenneth Wilkinson is among his best efforts. This recording is a long-time favorite here, which I am delighted to find in this excellent transfer from HDTT.
Description:
Artist(s): Conductor – Peter Maag
Orchestra – The London Symphony Orchestra
Double Bass – Stuart Knussen
Viola – Simon Streatfeild
Violin – Hugh Maguire, Sir Neville Marriner
Recording Info: Recorded at Walthamstow Assembly Hall by Decca 9-11 Dec 1959
Producer: Erik Smith • Engineer: Kenneth Wilkinson
1 Notturno In D Major For Four Orchestras, K.286 15:40
2 Serenata Notturna In D Major K.239 12:54
3 Overture To Lucio Silla, K.135 9:05
4 Interludes From Thamos, Konig In Agypten, K.345 18:08
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