Mozart; Night Music 'eine Kleine Nachtmusik' K.525 [hmu907280] Manze & The English Concert

Who would have thought that Mozart's Eine kleine Nachtmusik could actually sound fresh and vibrant. The English Concert and its new conductor/violinist Andrew Manze accomplish the unlikely task in their first recording together, and their crisp, invigorating playing strips the layers of cliché from Mozart's well-worn serenade. The familiar opening movement has real momentum, as does the Romance that follows, and you hear every line clearly. Rhythmic precision and stylish phrasing are the hallmarks of the playing throughout, in the best tradition of period-instrument playing…