I have very little to add to Jed Distler’s wholly positive comments on these masterful performances, originally issued in a set containing all of the late symphonies (type Q7274 in the search box to access that review). Some listeners may find the music over-interpreted, in the sense that not a bar goes by that hasn’t been carefully shaped and considered. But this never gets in the way of the music’s flow, not even when Maag puts a tiny hesitation in the middle of the main theme of Symphony No. 39’s finale. With excellent sound, balances that give a full measure of attention to the winds, and plenty of impact from the trumpets and drums, the music’s firm rhythmic foundation supports Maag’s always interesting and personal interpretive touches. The performance of the “Prague” Symphony is particularly thrilling, with powerful tuttis, a graciously singing Andante, and a dazzling finale. If you love “big band” Mozart in the mode of, say, Günter Wand or Colin Davis, then you should hear this.
