Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 39, 40 & 41 "Jupiter"

Mozart’s last three symphonies were composed in a white-hot burst of energy during the summer of 1788. And here’s a recording to match that creative fire. Like the sudden release of a tightly wound spring, Symphony No. 40 explodes into being. Has its first movement ever sounded so menacing, its second so mysterious and longing? Minasi teases with daring tempo changes at crucial dramatic points, the opening flourish to Symphony No. 41 (the “Jupiter”) tentative, questioning, before his orchestra rushes headlong into the main theme, Mozart’s most brilliantly scored music. Performing on modern instruments but with a period sensibility, Ensemble Resonanz’s pin-sharp, responsive playing creates compelling theatre in all three symphonies. Essential listening.