George Szell, The Cleveland Orchestra Mozart* – Symphonies Nos. 39 & 40 Exsultate, Jubilate

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major Op. 36 and Symphony No. 5 in C minor Op. 67 –
The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell, conductor
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 287 Mb | FLAC+LOG+Cue | Cover scans | 4 RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical

George Szell leads taut, energetic, and texturally detailed performances of both symphonies–no surprise to anyone familiar with the other discs in this series. Victor Carr Jr

Many notable Mozart conductors have become broader in their tempos and more detail-obsessed as they aged. Walter, Beecham, Böhm, Klemperer, and even Sir Colin Davis have all fallen under the spell of the music's perfection to the point where they could hardly bear to let it alone. On the other side of the equation are equally great conductors such as Szell, Reiner, Casals, and Toscanini, whose vision intensified instead of mellowing. It is to the latter group that Menuhin belongs, and these superb performances call to mind Toscanini at his best, in the tensile strength of the melodic line, subtle rubato, and miraculously clear articulation.

Schubert's 'Tragic' Symphony and Mozart's 'Paris' Symphony are performed by the Vienna Philharmonic under the baton of Nikolaus Harnoncourt at the Wiener Musikvereinsaal in 1984. Harnoncourt goes back to Schubert's original manuscripts to perform the music in its purest form. Harnoncourt joined forces with The Chamber Orchestra of Europe for Mozart's last symphonies (Nos. 39-41), performed at the Wiener Musikvereinssaal in 1991. Known throughout the world for his highly original approach to classical music, conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt reveres Mozart as 'the most romantic composer of all'.

JOHANNES BRAHMS: Piano Concerto No.1 in D minor; Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major; Variations & Fugue on a Theme by Handel; Waltzes Op. 39; Leon Fleisher (piano); The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell
Classical | 2CD | EAC RIP | APE+LOG+M3U, No CUE | Full scans| 568 Mb | RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical- 63225

The terms "classic" and "definitive", so overused that they are in danger of losing their meaning, absolutely apply to these recordings. The Fleisher/Szell Brahms Piano Concertos, recorded in 1958 and 1962, had not been available since their 1980s incarnation as Odyssey LPs. Now, in amazingly solid, vibrant remastered sound Sony has resurrected these mighty performances, which along with Fleisher's Beethoven concerto recordings, are vital documents of this pianist's early prowess - stunning technique, penetrating musicianship, and well-channeled passion. Szell's fiery, tempestuous reading of the Piano Concerto No. 1's orchestral score (with a riled up Cleveland Orchestra) has never been surpassed, let alone equaled, not even by Szell himself in his subsequent recordings. Fleisher and Szell present the Second Concerto in a grandly classical manner, relating it to Beethoven's Emperor and avoiding the massiveness and bulk of some more recent interpretations. Here the pianist tellingly combines wit and intelligence with a powerful sense of urgency. The same goes for the appended Waltzes and Handel Variations from 1956, which Fleisher plays with such brilliance that we can't wait for the next passage. Sony has jettisoned the original cardboard packaging for the more sturdy jewel box, hence this new review. Whether paper or plastic, get these great performances while you still can
- Victor Carr; Classicstoday.com

Sir Georg Solti, KBE (21 October 1912 – 5 September 1997) was a Hungarian-British orchestral and operatic conductor. He holds the record for having received the most Grammy Awards, having personally won 31, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century.

This orchestra learned to play these symphonies under the legendary George Szell, whose Sony recordings have been reissued on CD and remain a prime recommendation in this music. For those seeking digital sound, however, these new versions are very distinguished, combining the Cleveland Orchestra's customary superb ensemble with a warmth and urgency of expression usually in short supply from this conductor. At mid-price, this is an excellent recommendation.