EMI HMV ASD 617: Kubelik's Disappointing Mozart Symphonies
Mozart: Symphony No. 35 in D, K. 385 "Haffner", Symphony No. 41 in C, K. 551 "Jupiter"
Rafael Kubelik, conductor
Vienna Philharmonic OrchestraPressing: UK, ED1, semi-circle 1st
Condition: NM
Date first published: 1965
Stampers:
2YVH 25-7
2YVH 26-5
Performance: 6/10
Sound: 6/10
Price range: $61-214 (mean $123) on popsike.com
Comments: I hate to break it to you, but this is a rare record and it's a sonic disappointment. Being a huge fan of Mozart symphonies and Kubelik, I had a lot of hopes for this album. The sound is nothing to write home about. Overall, there is an unnatural brightness and murkiness to the sound, not to mention that the acoustic is unflatteringly dry. I found the performances to be rather uninspired and would much rather rely on Szell, Bohm, or Klemperer to give these symphonies (or any of Mozart's symphonies for that matter) their due. I bought this record to audition it, almost certain that I would keep it, and sold it within a month. Unless you're a Kubelik EMI completist, pass this one by. Life's too short to waste on lifeless Mozart.
I like almost all ASD, but ASD600s seems to be a weak spot.
ReplyDeleteASD 655 EIgar: Cello Concerto/Sea Pictures LSO Barbirolli Du Pre
Present company excepted of course.
The rest very strange as a group. Not heard some of the big boys.... Mahler ... Bruckner but I have my doubts sonically