Complete Mozart symphonies - James Levine, Vienna Phil

I'll get right to the point on this one - this is Mozart of the very highest order, beautifully recorded. The Vienna Philharmonic play their hearts out for James Levine and he, in turn, is inspired to bring great freshness, vitality and warmth to these recordings. This is stylish, musical, energetic, youthful and most of all - JOYOUS - Mozart. It reminds me very much of the wonderful Haydn symphonies that Solti recorded with the Vienna Phil around the same time.

The sound is outstanding - warm, full and spacious, yet lithe and clear. Absolutely some of DG's best recordings of the Vienna Philharmonic. Levine brings a singing gracefulness to these symphonies and is also very generous with repeats (more so than Neville Marriner is on his complete set on Phillips). Indeed I prefer this set to Marriner's. It's better played and recorded.

This set has been unavailable for many years. It is fantastic to see it offered in such an attractive and affordable box set. Very highly recommended.