Mozart - Symphony 41 [Bruggen-Orchestra Of The Eighteenth Century]I must admit i'm not a period instruments devotee, in Baroque fair enough, but moving into the romantic era, i think modern instruments work better, but i can't help having a listen, and i think the results add to my love of this Symphony.
Bruggen is Dutch, now 75 years old, this disc was recorded back in 1986, a live recording with the Orchestra Bruggen co-founded, the only quibble i have is that it's a bit short measure [46 minutes], another couple of Overtures would have been really welcome.
I like the booklet too, a nice clear picture of Bruggen pondering [Fernando Van Teylingen], with writing in blue and white over a black background that makes it stand out.
I acquired this disc recently, and this is the first time i've got round to listening to it, the last movement of the last Symphony is my favourite Symphonic Mozart moment, it has that onward and upward type of surge to it, it reminds me of the same sort of 'feel' as the last movement in Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, the way it constantly goes from soft strings, to louder brass/timpani, and back and forth, it makes the louder outbursts all that more glorious/regal, it's those busy violins that get me [2:10-2:15 & 4:23-4:37], and nearer the end they come back again [10:38-10:43] this time accompanied by some timpani friends for a stronger effect, true the strings aren't as sweet in period instrument performance, but i enjoyed Bruggen's way with the music.
Here's Bruggen conducting the final movement on YouTube.
