Composers: Mozart
Compositions: Symphonies 39, 40 and 41
Performers: Les Concert des Nations/Jordi Savall
Catalogue Number: Alia Vox AVSA9934 (2CD)

Jordi Savall and Les Concert des Nations here return to Mozart with Symphonies 39, 40, and 41. The composer finished these in one-and-a-half months at the height of his creative maturity in 1788. The interest in this recording is Savall’s historically accurate performance practices. Listeners used to modern performances of Mozart symphonies will take some time to adjust. The sound is that of a moderately sized period-instrument ensemble performing in a resonant hall. The strings, presumably strung with gut, provide a pleasant alternative to the...