This release brings us Karl Böhm’s acclaimed 1960s Mozart symphony recordings, newly packaged for this year’s celebrations of the composer’s 250th birthday. In terms of recordings, Böhm probably was at his best in Mozart, where he often duplicated the alacrity of his live performances in the studio. This “Prague” symphony is a spirited reading, with brisk tempos and energized rhythms as well as exquisite tonal beauty. The same goes for Symphony No. 41, which builds up considerable excitement in the outer movements while cultivating much tenderness in the Andante cantabile. No. 39 doesn’t reach this level–it’s strangely straightforward and plain-faced. Böhm strolls along dutifully, giving ammunition to those who consider him a “pedestrian” conductor. The Berlin Philharmonic plays with its customary refinement and polish–you’d have to get Szell’s contemporaneous Cleveland Orchestra recordings to hear Mozart played with more sharp-edged virtuosity. The sound is bright and spacious, though a little shy on the bass. Overall it’s a pretty good disc: even with two winners out of three, Böhm’s Mozart is well worth hearing.
