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CD Review
Wolfgang Mozart
Violin Concertos
- Violin Concerto #3 in G Major, K. 216
- Violin Concerto #4 in D Major, K. 218
- Violin Concerto #1 in B Flat Major, K. 207
Viktoria Mullova, violin
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment
Philips 470292-2 66m DDD
Viktoria Mullova is definitely an artist in the spotlight as she is always splashed on front covers of her CDs like a glamorous model. Although I don't agree with such materialistic tactics, the playing on this three concerto issue is often extremely fine and very refined.
The athletic Mullova is accompanied by the brilliant Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and they bring a touch of class to what are excellent versions of these much played concertos. The question remains however, who is going to splash out full price for these works which are available in several finely played and much cheaper formats? This is not to detract the genuine violin lover from purchasing such an issue but I do feel that the majors are continually shooting themselves in the foot with such releases.
On the artistic side, I enjoyed the Fourth Concerto with its magical slow movement played very soothingly by Mullova and the recording is absolutely top class with bags of clarity and depth. If you are a newcomer to the Mozart field, then I would definitely suggest you invest in this disc and one hopes that the Second and Fifth concertos are not too far away in Mullova's plans.
Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech
