Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Raymond Leppard, Sir Colin Davis, London Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Arrigo Pelliccia, Arthur Grumiaux - Mozart: Violin Concertos

At the ripe old age of 19 Mozart wrote five violin concertos, and they represent his coming of age as a composer of orchestral music. From here on, it's basically one masterpiece after another. Though not difficult works, technically speaking, they partake in full measure of Mozart's uniquely sensual brand of melody. That means that successful performances must know how to spin out a singing musical line, while at the same time making the most of the rare opportunities for soloistic display. Taste and musicianship are more important qualities than virtuosity, and that makes these pieces ideal vehicles for Arthur Grumiaux's aristocratic temperament and technical polish. --David Hurwitz Amazon.com essential recording

speed is fast

The speed is a little fast especially in K.207 2nd Mov.
I prefer Perlman editon instead of this one. October 26, 2008

So many more than five stars.

This album is absolutely flooring. THIS is Mozart. Grumiaux's playing is neither cutesy and fanciful nor forced, as so many renditions of these concertos are. In fact, it falls nowhere on that spectrum at all - these recordings draw from someplace different altogether. They are organic but not harsh, intense but not overwrought, powerful but not bombastic. This music is the kind that reaches down, uncovers your soul a little, and says, "Listen." And you do - it is that instinctual.

And as someone who tends to insist on the equal merit of various interpretations of a work, I have to say that, a little to my surprise, Grumiaux has become my definitive Mozart man. His music makes me smile involuntarily because it is so full of life. May 28, 2008

Just Sparkles

This is one of the recordings I recommend when people tell me they're starting a music collection and want to know what some foundation CDs are. The work presented here is clean, crisp, and strictly Mozart in every sense. These works sparkle under Grumiaux expertise, and the LSO (with Davis at the podium) provides an well-balanced accompaniment. There is something in Grumiaux's tone that other musicians have not been able to replicate in any other cycle -- listening to such mastery of these concertos brings a smile to your face. The only point of criticism to offer is directed towards the cadenzas chosen by Grumiaux (which are his own). In my opinion, they are not always the most appealing choice. and people who enjoy lots of flare in their Mozart Cadenzas may feel underwhelmed.

For those who are looking for a more romantic rendition of these works, the Perlman/Levine cycle may be of interest to you. Another set which has impressed me is by young German violinist Julia Fischer, recorded with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. Otherwise, this CD is your best bet. December 16, 2007

Great Music at an Affordable Price

If you are looking for a music critics revoiew, this is not for you. I don't know a quarter note from a half, but I know what I like. This I like.Equally important my cat, who is mad about Mozart, prefers the violin concertos above all else. It is important to "soothe (her) savage breast."
Not being an expert inm music you can rightly ask how I would know if this recording is any good. It sounds great on my inexpensive (read as really cheap) disc player, I can only imagine how great it would sound on a quality machine. If you like beautiful music by a master this is highly recommended. November 23, 2007

Perfect ? almost

I am happy to agree that Grumiaux was the best interpreter of Mozart's violin works, assured, fluent, magic flowed from his bow. And I agree that this Philips Duo is a great bargain, packed with great music. I do, however have one little reservation, while the sound quality of the violin is good, I find the sound of the orchestra rather muddy, especially during the louder periods; perhaps this is acceptable when the age of the recording is taken into account. But can you tell the scoring with any confidence? flutes ? oboes ? horns ? ( The sound quality of K 261 and K 373, with the New Philhamonia, is a little better)
Even with this reservation, I still give it 5 stars.

PS I have recently purchased a new re-release of Grumiaux playing the Beethoven violin concerto, the sound is much better than in these CDs, perhaps a more recent digital remastering of the violin concertos would result in more acceptable sound quality. June 8, 2007

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