Yesterday I had the opportunity to listen carefully to the fine playing of Russian violinist Viktoria Mullova, as she performed the Mozart Violin concerto #4, one of my great favorites. I have my biases, and among them was the fact that a Russian violinist may do a fine job on, say, the Tchaikovsky concerto; but Mozart? I was not sure…
Let me tell you how wrong I was! This turned out to be a wonderful, sensitive, beautifully phrased, and delightful performance. I had heard this recording once before, but this time I was convinced that Ms. Mulova indeed “hit the ball out of the park” on this one.
Mozart’s music here is beautifully presented: Light, with excellent balance, and with fine style. Viktoria Mullova, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment never sound excessively romantic; these are Classical concerti in a performance that is among the best I have heard.
While it is an older recording, I am bringing it to your attention here, because it is really worthwhile to experience. We hear a great deal of sweetness and lyricism from Mullova here. The support from the orchestra seems just right, and she makes even the most difficult passages seem really flawless. And the sound quality is superb too.
On this CD: Music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Performed by Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment with Viktoria Mullova.
- Violin Concerto No. 3 in G major, K. 216
- Violin Concerto No. 4 in D major, K. 218
- Violin Concerto No. 1 in B flat major, K. 207
Here is Viktoria Mullova performing the Mozart Violin Concerto No.4 in D, K.218 with the Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment:
