Mozart - Symphonies Vol.1-3 (DVD)

Advantages: Beatuful redentions of highly celebrated works
Disadvantages: Would be nicer with a broader selcetion on disc

...Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a household name, even among non-classical music lovers - he is - for many - the definition of music. This CD houses 2 works by the genius - Symphony No.40 in G minor and Symphony No.41 - Jupiter. Mozart wrote No.40 after the death of his infant daughter - this is potrayed immediatly through the minor key in which the piece begins in. It later modulates to a major key which denotes his hopefulness of moving on and closing the bereavement door. The piece culminates in a repetition and develoment of the 1st section to reiterate his pain and sorrow. Symphony No. 41 was completed just 1month after no.40, in the summer of 1788. It is nicknamed ' The Jupiter Symphony' due to its power and percieved size, particularly in the finale, where a memorable theme is heard alongside with others that have featured... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Excellent performances in a perfect setting
Disadvantages: Very minor quibbles

...-contact and the occasional smile and seeing this only adds to one's appreciation of this excellent musical duo. Whilst Gil Shaham does read the music from a music stand, one rarely sees it in shot - something which can really spoil the image of a filmed concert as it makes a barrier between artist and viewer. It says in the Ciao description of this DVD that it is a live performance but that's not so - it was recorded over 3 days. In an interestingly dramatic twist, the producer records the single sonata in a minor key - written at the time immediately after the death of Mozart's mother - during the hours of darkness, bringing a sombre, more intense atmosphere to this more tragic, dramatic, inward looking and mourning music. Performances: This is first class playing. Gil Shaham is by no means one of the "HIPP" brigade (historically informed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Origami-like sets, costumes, bold basic colors; Mozart's music, all sung beautifully.
Disadvantages: Un-PC elements may cause unease in modern audiences.

...Opera-haters may just succumb to the charms of this delightful stage version of 'The Magic Flute', Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's popular opera. Created in that highly disciplined world of specialized vocal and instrumental music and theatre, it remains among the lightest in the genre. The story amounts to little more than a children's tale with the usual elements of heroism, love, revenge, forgiveness, etc. Ah, but the most aurally pleasing music of Mozart elevates it to a higher plane. From Arthaus Musik DVD comes this modern, minimalist and playful production of Mozart's final operatic work, 'The Magic Flute / Die Zauberflöte', perfomed live on 26 August 1992 at the Ludwigsburger Schloßfestspiele. Basic Plot Premise. Our hero, Prince Tamino, is rescued from a giant serpent by the Three Ladies of the Queen of the Night. The Queen... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful