The LSO has long held its coveted position as the pre-eminent orchestra in the UK thanks to the many superb musicians within its ranks. On this generously filled double SACD album from LSO Live, the orchestra’s distinguished Wind Principals show their mettle in a selection of Mozart’s
most popular and entrancing works for wind.

Timothy Jones opens the programme on the first disc with a beautifully poised performance of Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 2 in E flat major K417. His playing is effortless with an unforced virtuosity especially evident in the final Rondo movement. This is followed by Mozart’s Salzburg Oboe Concerto in C major K314 from 1777 (the original and more effective version of the Flute Concerto in D that he wrote in Mannheim in 1778). Oboist Olivier Stankiewicz gives a delightful account of this work, it’s perkiness enhanced by the bright tone of his instrument. The performance of Mozart’s sublime Clarinet Concerto in A major K622 that completes the first disc is provided by Andrew Marriner who is no stranger to this work having recorded it back in 2009 with his father Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin in the fields. While some performances on disc opt for the basset clarinet with its extended range most, as here, use the conventional instrument. Marriner’s performance is fluent and tonally impeccable, though perhaps lacking a touch of the subtleties and nuances to be found in other accounts.

The orchestral accompaniment in these three concertos from Jaime Martin is sympathetic and alert. It must be said, however, that the 37 players of the London Symphony Orchestra here sound a considerably larger body in the more intimate acoustic of the Jerwood Hall which can add a touch of heaviness to the overall sound, especially for those listening in 5.1 surround.

The second SACD is of Mozart’s seemingly ubiquitous Serenade No. 10, “Gran Partita” performed by the LSO Wind Ensemble. Their fine account of this masterpiece has been available on LSO Live before Mozart: Serenade No. 10 - LSO Wind Ensemble, but now it is coupled with an exuberant account of the Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds in E flat K297b. The authenticity of this latter work has long been a point of discussion with musicologists and it has been argued that some stylistic inconsistencies indicate that the work might not be that of Mozart. Be that as it may, the soloists here (Juliana Koch - oboe, Chris Richards - clarinet, Rachel Gough - bassoon, Timothy Jones - horn) relish to the full the wonderful writing for their instruments in this scintillating piece.

All five works were recorded live in the fine acoustic of Jerwood Hall, LSO St. Luke’s. The three Concertos and the Sinfonia Concertante in DSD 256fs on 12-13 October 2019, while Serenade No. 10 in DSD 128fs on 31st October 2015. The Classic Sound team of Jonathan Stokes and Neil Hutchinson have engineered a natural and well-balanced recording.

The superfluity of all these pieces in the catalogue means that while the individual performances may not be a library choice for all listeners, collectively they will make a hugely enjoyable package for many, not just admirers of the LSO.

Copyright © 2021 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

Performance:

Sonics (Multichannel):