Alexander Gibson’s affectionate reading of Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante benefits from flowing tempos and naturally-breathed phrasing in addition to the full-bodied sound of modern instruments. Norbert Brainin’s and Peter Schidlof’s beautifully rendered solo work fits neatly within Gibson’s graceful conception, making this performance a truly pleasurable experience. However, there’s even more finery to be enjoyed in Karl Böhm’s version (DG), where the soloists and Berlin Philharmonic players offer an Old-World elegance (especially in their euphoric realization of the opening paragraph) of the type rarely heard anymore. Still, Gibson’s is an excellent, relatively modern alternative, especially as it includes a similarly accomplished reading of the Concertone for two violins, oboe, cello, and orchestra with Neil Black and Olga Hegedus handsomely contributing the additional solo work. The English Chamber Orchestra lives up to its sterling Mozart-performance reputation, and Chandos’ naturally balanced, remastered 1984 recordings sound ever fresh and vibrant.
