Barry Tuckwell and the Mozart Horn Concertos enjoy a discographical partnership that dates back nearly half a century. I have not heard his 1993 traversals with the Philharmonia on Collins Classics, but his 1990 English Chamber Orchestra collaborations for Decca are reference caliber, despite the soloist’s over-prominence in the mix. In his early 1970s versions with Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields on EMI, Tuckwell’s contributions seem comparatively reserved, though beautiful as ever, yet Marriner’s accompaniments boast more variegated string tone, along with discreet textural enhancement from the harpsichord continuo.
However, I harbor a soft spot for Tuckwell’s first recordings reissued here. This is due largely to the London Symphony Orchestra’s warm, vibrant, and full-bodied (yet never bloated) support, with Peter Maag–one of the great Mozarteans–at the helm. Because Tuckwell is balanced to the rear, he emerges more from within the ensemble, as opposed to the aforementioned Decca set’s “lead singer with back-up band” perspective. As a result, Tuckwell’s staccato articulation makes less incisive an impact (the third and fourth concertos’ jaunty last-movement themes, for example). Conversely, the seamless, effortless legato he achieves in slow movements gently soars in the ambience the way Joan Sutherland’s Bellini cantilenas used to “float” across the footlights out to my balcony seat. Maag’s sensitively contoured reading of the D major Notturno for Four Orchestras fills out the release.
All told, these 1959/60 sessions sound well for their vintage, notwithstanding strident string overtones at times and noticeable tape hiss. In addition to Raymond Tuttle’s superb booklet notes, Tuckwell provides his own fond memories of working with Peter Maag. Incidentally, the Tuckwell/Maag Mozart concertos also are available in a Double Decca “two-fer” that includes splendid performances of the composer’s oboe, flute, clarinet, and bassoon concertos (read Rad Bennett’s comments by typing Q1215 in Search Reviews).
