Peter Maag was a wonderful Mozart conductor, and his sympathetic way with the music is much in evidence in these live broadcasts of works dating from 1987-90, not included in his official box of symphonies on the Arts label. Its value as a supplement, however, is compromised by less-than-elegant string playing (a stark contrast to Maag’s always stylish phrasing) and near-total lack of presence from the horns and oboes in the two symphonies (especially a problem in No. 29’s finale).
The Sinfonia concertante is better in this respect regarding the orchestral contribution, and it features some characterful solo work. However, the recorded sound here is boxy, and it’s unsteady of level elsewhere. Maag’s contributions are most impressive in the first movement of the little G minor Symphony (No. 25), which has effortlessly sustained tension, and in the beautifully sung andantes. Certainly fans of the conductor will want these performances despite their shortcomings. When all is said and done there’s a gracious quality to the music-making that’s very touching.
