Mozart - Symphony 40 & 41; Speakers Corner [LP]; New Philharmonia Orchestra; Guilini

This is one of gems of my vinyl collection. It's not only a fabulous recording, it captures the magic a great conductor and orchestra can produce when musically aligned. 

Guilini was a big fan of the Philharmonia and made some exceptional recordings with them, many of them Mozart. He was around when Walter Legge decided to can the orchestra. Luckily, Otto Klemperer stuck around and reorganized under the 'New' Philharmonia Orchestra. The orchestra only lost a few players and maintained its core. As they sound on this Mozart LP, the orchestra did not miss a beat. 

This recording is sourced from 1965 at Kingsway Hall. A classic Kenneth Wilkinson/Ray Minshull production. 

The orchestra is beautifully focused, and all sections blend within the gorgeous acoustic. Macro dynamics, especially in the Jupiter Symphony are spectacular - not that Mozart asks for explosions -- but any large increases in sound blend into the soundstage easily. Imaging is spot on, too. Listen to the woodwind's scale as they rush down G Minor at the end of the 40th symphony's exposition. 

All the solos are played with the utmost distinction. True artistry as played by the so called 'Royal Family' of woodwind instruments. The name was given to the Philharmonia section including Gareth Morris, flute, Terence McDonough, oboe, Richard Walton, clarinet and Gwydion Brooke, bassoon. They are truly magnificent on this record and artists in their own right. Strings match them.

I cleaned this LP a few years ago and wrecked it -- a cleaning pad had some grit on it. I almost cried! I replaced it a few years later with this pristine reissue.  

The Speakers Corner pressing (USD$34.99) is flawless. The recording is famous and from one of the world' great recording venues. Guilini's Mozart is lively, beautifully played and interpreted. 

It's another no brainer from Speakers Corner. Basically, if there ever was perfect record, this is it. Very highly recommended.  

Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K. 550

Side One:

1. Molto allegro

2. Andante

3. Meneutto, allegretto

4. Allegro assai

Symphony No. 41 in C major, K. 551 "Jupiter"

Side Two:

1. Allegro vivace

2. Andante cantabile

3. Menuetto, allegretto

4. Molto allegro

Speakers Corner HiFi GmbH

Eichkoppel 15A

24214 Gettorf

Germany

Telephone +49 (0)4346 / 601999 Telefax +49 (0)4346 / 601998 E-mail address: info[at]speakerscorner.de

180 Gram Audiophile Virgin Vinyl LP - Sealed