Marvellous Mozart - CBSO at Symphony Hall by Maggie Cotton

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Easy listening for a full afternoon audience, but beware, musicians, you have to stir extra interest when the programme on offer is by a single composer – even dear Mozart.
Not quite however, as we were treated to an unfamiliar starter (Amadis de Gaule Suite) by J C Bach - J S’s youngest son.
Conductor, Reinhard Goebel could have sparked more daring contrasts from this large string group, but thankfully threatened tedium was offset by immaculate playing throughout, notably lovely solo flute strands from CBSO’s principal, Marie –Christine Zupancic. 
Soloist German-Japanese violinist, Mirijam Contzen gave a genteel interpretation of Violin Concerto K271a in spite of ten first violins nearby threatening to overpower. Matching balance from the orchestra’s strings was occasionally at odds, not helped by the intermittent frenetic gyrations from the rostrum. Conductor, Reinhard Goebel certainly made his presence felt throughout the whole programme. Sparkling dexterity by the soloist from a delicate cadenza to full blooded challenges from the accompanying orchestra, were indeed special treats.
More nodding, bowing and overt weaving from the rostrum delivered a very lively Linz Symphony (K.425), written in less than four days as a gift for Mozart’s host on a long journey. The finale was taken at a spanking pace, but no problem for this orchestra.
Maggie Cotton.

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