Northern Chamber Orchestra

Mozart

Symphonies
21-24 & 26

Naxos 8 550876
54 minutes: DDD
1993

Track Listing:

Symphony No. 21 in A Major, K. 134

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. Menuetto
4. Allegro

(5:19)
(5:20)
(3:02)
(4:17)

Symphony No. 22 in C Major, K. 162

5. Allegro assai
6. Andantino grazioso
7. Presto assai

(3:12)
(2:57)
(2:06)

Symphony No. 23 in D Major, K. 181

8. Allegro spiritoso -
9. Andantion grazioso -
10. Presto assai

(4:55)
(2:12)
(2:05)

Symphony No. 24 in B Flat Major, K. 182

11. Allegro spiritoso
12. Andantino grazioso
13. Allegro

(3:59)
(2:48)
(2:55)

Symphony No. 26 in E Flat Major, K. 184

14. Molto presto -
15. Andante -
16. Allegro

(3:04)
(2:49)
(2:29)

Review Excerpt

Ward's sensitively balanced orchestral textures reveal Mozart's fragment orchestration with great clarity in the A major Symphony (No. 21)..The complete musical satisfaction provided by the four Italian overture symphonies (composed in 1773) that comprise the remainder of the programme is due both to the intrinsic fullness and vigour of the orchestration itself, and to the NCO's lively performances. The opening allegros and cheerfully effervescent finales bubble with infectious vitality, while the slow movements provide the opportunity for more intimate instrumental ensembles. Listen to the carefully phrased dialogue between oboes and horns in the C major Symphony, the tender oboe solo that emerges out of the first movement in the Andantino grazioso of the D major or the graceful contributions from the flute in the B flat major. Most impressive, however, is the E flat major, which originated as the Overture to the play Lanassa. Here, Ward and the NCO compellingly portray the dramatic violence of the opening Presto, the profound despair of its minor-key Andante and the exuberant rhythms of its finale. Atmospherically recorded.

Gramophone, January 1996. Classical Good CD Guide 2001.

How do we want our Mozart? On period instruments? In historic interpretations? In silky performances by Symphony orchestras? The modern collector faces bewildering options. If we want him musical, surely the principal consideration, consider this new release by the Northern Chamber Orchestra of Manchester. Crisp ensemble, lively playing by musicians who listen to each other. The symphony in A is a delight.

C. Swain, 9th April 1996.