Mozart Serenades - SCO - The Scotsman

This is the third disc of music by Mozart from the SCO in their ongoing association with this label. It does not contain any of the composer's best known music, which may deter casual buyers, although that might actually be regarded as a virtue given the current saturation of the market in Mozart recordings. Despite the plural in the title, there is only one titular serenade here, the so-called Andretter Serenade in D, (K.185), prefaced by its associated march (K.189). Its seven movements include features for solo violin, expressively played by Alexander Janiczek, who also leads the orchestra. The early Divertimento in E flat (K.113) reveals Mozart as a mature artist by his mid-teens, and the disc is rounded out by three single movement works, the Rondo in C (K. 373), Adagio in E (K.261) and Rondo Concertante in B flat (K.269) all providing scope for Janiczek to impress with his elegant and perceptive execution. The ensemble playing is up to the high standard expected from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, particularly in this repertoire, while the quality of the recording, made in Greyfriars Kirk last summer, is excellent.