Mozart Symphonies 2 - SCO & Sir Charles Mackerras - The Observer

Accolades galore were heaped on Sir Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO) last year for their recordings of Mozart's symphonies 38-41, so this latest collection comes with a heightened sense of expectation - and doesn't disappoint. Even though the earlier symphonies lack the maturity and startling grandeur of the Prague and the Jupiter, Mackerras manages to wring every last drop from them, and the SCO's glorious playing is enhanced by Linn's admirable recording technique, which enables us to experience the close-quarter intimacy Mozart's audiences would have enjoyed. Highly recommended.