Except for one positive comment, last year’s release of these attractive Mozart Symphonies has largely gone unnoticed on HRAudio. Yet, these performances could well be the top prize many, like me, have been waiting for.

At first sight, neither Michael Collins nor the Philharmonia Orchestra seem to be a natural choice for this kind of repertoire, nowadays mostly left to specialised chamber formations. I must admit that I discovered only recently how easily one can be wrong-footed by such preconceived ideas. These are brisk and balanced readings stirring up the moods of an audience with attention to detail and razor-sharp accentuation. For me, it was a surprising eye opener, like it was before, when I listened to Collins conducting Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony with the same orchestra (Vaughan Williams: Symphony No. 5 - Collins). Quite remarkable, two works that couldn’t be farther apart. Clearly a sign of competent mastery.

The Hi-Res catalogue is not short of Mozart Symphonies. Admirers of the late Sir Charles Mackerras will probably opt for his readings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (Mozart: Symphonies 29, 31, 32, 35 & 36 - Mackerras), whilst others may prefer Adam Fischer and the Danish National Chamber Orchestra. I have them both. But sadly, the recorded sound is not always optimal, or, in the latter case, some interpretations are questionable.

That said, neither of these readings is as mannered as the brand-new release of the Haffner-Akademie (Harmonia Mundi, download only), in a misguided attempt to distinct themselves from the crowd with ‘vigorous and fresh’ playing. Why can one not just stick to the score and the accompanying annotations?

All the more reason to have a closer look at Collins and the Philharmonia, fitting all the slots of correct tempi, transparent yet vitally structured, with controlled forward thrust, and above all, with due respect for the composer!

From all the versions of these three symphonies in the catalogue, I think these are the ones to go for. Not only because this SACD is filled to the brim (80 minutes), including a 'bonus Menuet', originally part of Symphony 34, but later abandoned (do read the liner notes), and on top of it all, recorded with excellent surround sound.

Will there be more such generous Mozart symphony releases from these forces? Let’s hope so.

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France

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