Berlin Philharmonic & Sir Simon Rattle - Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40 & 41 (2017) [Hi-Res]

Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker take on a myth with their complete performance of the last three symphonies by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The full diversity of Mozart’s symphonic style was on display when the Berliner Philharmoniker and Sir Simon Rattle presented the last three of these works at the 2013 season opening concert. It was also a perfect example of the orchestra’s Mozart style which during the Rattle era has seen an increased exploration of historical performance practice. The performances reveal a blend of transparency, orchestral warmth – and the inspiration of the conductor, about whom one critic wrote, “Simon Rattle deeply taps the potential of Mozart’s symphonies. […] He is not just a great musician, but a sentient artist through and through.”

In his last three symphonies, Mozart creates what is almost a résumé of his worlds of expression: their radiance, elegance and their drama. In Mozart, the key of E-flat major of Symphony No. 39 generally, as it does here, stands for sonority and warmth, often also for a kind of ceremonial stateliness. In Symphony No. 40, and specifically in the famous first movement, on the other hand, drama and rococo elegance are mixed. Finally, Symphony No. 41, known as the Jupiter, exudes radiance and solemnity in a radiant C major, culminating in the Finale in an admirably innovative blend of sonata form and fugue.