Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 40 & 41 "Jupiter"

Nobody knows why Mozart wrote three symphonies—his last, as fate decreed—in less than three months in the summer of 1788. Some say it was divine inspiration, others that he desperately needed a new income stream. Whatever the case, they stand among the great landmarks of the symphonic repertoire. The Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra and its founder-conductor, Marios Papadopoulos, in their expansive, lyrical interpretations of the last two of these works convey their nobility and classicism. They articulate countless details of rhythm and phrasing that all too often fly by in period-instrument performances, especially in the finale of Symphony No. 40 and the “Jupiter” Symphony’s opening “Allegro vivace”, the latter graced by superb string playing. While the prevailing mood is serious, there’s room for charm and lightness in the minuets of both symphonies.