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84 of 91 found the following review helpful:
 Very good, but not as good as the Amazon hypeDec 23, 1999
I was surprised to see these recordings praised as long and loud as they are at this site. Truth be told Bohm's Mozart symphonies are widely considered to be very good, but are rarely touted as the very best recordings of these works. After listening to them I would have to agree with the general consensus in the music world--very good, but not necessarily the best. They are indeed beautifully played and recorded (who would guess the recordings date back to the 50s and 60s!), but tempi are sometimes too slow, particularly in the opening allegro of number 39 and throughout number 40, making the music sound too objective and studied. The orchestral textures are also somewhat weighty, which at times makes the music sound at lot like Beethoven (although not as much as Karajan with the same orchestra makes them sound), and repeats are seldom observed. My opinion (and certainly not everyone will agree) is that Mozart sounds best with a slightly smaller orchestra and at brisker tempi. Under such circumstances the genius of Mozart is more infectious and elegant, and it is easier to let the music carry you along. Marriner with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields (on EMI, Phillips, and Decca) and Wordsworth on Naxos are two fine examples of this approach to the symphonies. They both use modern instruments, so the strings sound fuller than recordings using period instruments, but the leaner orchestral textures sound more appropriate for Mozart. Tempi are somewhat brisk but never too fast. Wordsworth's recordings of 36, 38, and 39 are especially nice, while Marriner's versions of 25, 29, 40, and 41 are standouts. When choosing among the best recordings of the best in classical music, there are usually many fine options from which to choose, and the Mozart symphonies are certainly no exception. Choosing one's favorite recording(s) will essentially be a subjective and personal decision. Bohm is certainly a fine choice, and so are Walter, Abbado, and Bernstein for a slower, weightier approach, while Marriner, Wordsworth, and Britten are excellent from a different perspective. Szell would probably fall somewhere in the middle, but only 35, 40, and 41 are available from him. And if that isn't enough, recordings using period instruments are now all the rage. So don't take the Bohm recordings as the be all and end all of the Mozart symphonies. Sample other great recordings to see which suit you best.
44 of 47 found the following review helpful:
 STILL THRILLING.... AFTER ALL THESE YEARSNov 14, 2000
By Melvyn M. Sobel
"Melvyn M. Sobel"
Having owned Bohm's complete traversal of Mozart's forty-one symphonies (in two separate boxed sets released by DG--- DGG, back then--- over thirty years ago), and having relinquished them during my LP-to-CD changeover, I was delighted by this surprise, mid-price reissue. Frankly, I had forgotten just how Mozartian Bohm is, how clean and clear--- like a breath of spring air--- and as downright refreshing; yet, too, how sensitive he is to the myriad nuances of these works. His is a pure energy, a pure depth that comes from wisdom, not show. Bohm conducts focused, dedicated, immersed--- and these symphonies appear to us miraculously renewed, classically shining. No doubt about it: these are performances borne out of love. So simpatico is Bohm's approach to Mozart, I hesitate to even call them "performances." More likely, each is a devotional.
[Running time--- CD 1: 67:57 CD 2: 78:55]
26 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Still the finest recordings of Mozart's greatest symphoniesMay 16, 2001
By John Kwok
After hearing fine interpretations from the likes of Bernstein, Karajan, and Kubelik, Bohm's readings of Mozart's last symphonies remain imposing, worthy of recognition as the best in a crowded field of recordings. No late 20th Century conductor has been as successful as Bohm in conveying the drama as well as lyricism present in Mozart's greatest symphonies. I doubt I have heard the Berlin Philharmonic play these symphonies with such elegance, warmth and technical precision. These recordings are among the highlights in a complete Mozart symphony cycle which Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic recorded during the 1960's. If I'm not mistaken, this was the first Mozart symphony cycle recorded in stereo. The sound quality is impressive with the latest image bit digital remastering.
25 of 26 found the following review helpful:
Awesome.....Truly AwesomeOct 28, 1999
By Trevor Gillespie
"sol_man"
This was part of my first order from Amazon.com---it came quickly and didn't disappoint. I was hesitant to order these symphonies because they were recorded in the late 50s and early 60s, but I decided based on the review and customer comments to go ahead and give them a shot. Truly Maestro Bohm knew Mozart and brought him to life. The clarity, brilliance, and interpretations are incredible. It is so refreshing to hear Mozart played Bohm's way versus the common chamber size orchestra recordings that are coming in abundance these days. This is the Mozart you want, not a period performance. Go with Bohm--you won't be disappointed!!!
20 of 21 found the following review helpful:
crisp and refreshing as mountain spring waterJun 02, 2000
By Ray Barnes
Given that these performance were originaly recorded in the 1960s, as part of the first ever complete survey in stereo of the Mozart symphonies, and the proliferation of alternate choices on both period and modern instruments, it would be easy indeed to pass this issue over as being outdated or even irrelevant. I think that would be a poor decision. The digital remastering has produced a considerable improvement over the original LPs and the performances have lost none of their vitality, rhythmic pointing, or precision in the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic. Although Bohm was a veteran conductor the tempi do not convey any loss of energy or enthusiasm. The Haffner, Linz and Jupiter symphonies are particularly successful. In comparison to Karajan's survey with the same orchestra and recording company, these performances do not have quite the same "big band" sound and are perhaps more classical in feeling - which is hardly a disadvantage. The Mackerras, Marriner and Levine sets are excellent too and choosing a winner among them is a judgment call. Nonetheless, anyone who enjoys this music on modern instruments will not be dissapointed with Bohm. The documentation is excellent too. Recommended.
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