Search - Europa-Konzert From Prague: Mozart - Baborak/Berliner Philharmoniker/Barenboim on DVD

The Berlin Philarmonic Orchestra in Prague...A feast of Moza

R. Nicholson | 11/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Another excellent DVD from Euroarts.

This disc contains the Berlin Philharmonic's annual European Concert for May 1 ( the date commemorating the founding of the orchestra many years ago); the 2006 concert site is Prague, Czech. The conductor and pianist for this performance is Daniel Barenboim and the guest soloist is Radek Baborak playing the French Horn. The entire concert features Mozart; there are two symphonies, (the 35th [the Haffner] and the 36th [the Linz]) bracketing the Piano concerto No. 22 and the Horn concerto No. 1

The concert took place in the Estates Theatre, Prague; a delightful horseshoe shaped theater featuring its huge chandelier, ornate domed ceiling and intricate decorative work ornamenting the five layers of loge boxes surrounding the perimeter of the main floor. Simply a magnificent structure!

An all Mozart concert is fitting for Prague because it was this city that embraced his music right from the beginning; his home town of Salzburg, often was less enthusiastic about his musical offerings. In fact, so popular was Prague with Mozart, that the first performance of "Don Giovanni" was performed at the Estates Theatre in 1787.

As with all previous Euroarts DVDs of the BPO's May 1st concerts, there remain certain constants over the years; that being, great music (of course), exceptional filming and editing, wonderful audio and above all, some of the greatest musical compositions played by arguably one of the best orchestras in the world, featuring world class conductors and guest soloists; this years DVD is no exception.

Highlights of the disc; (obviously a personal choice)

1.)Barenboim playing of the Allegro (rondo) 3rd movement of the Piano Concerto No. 22; (featured in the movie "Amadeus"); played with great sensitivity and emotion not only by Barenboim but the entire orchestra as well.
2.)The entire Horn Concerto with Radek Baborak as guest soloist; a wonderfully happy melody played to perfection and with great cheer.

In addition to the music on the disc, there is also a video clip about some of the history and musical events surrounding Prague; a short but interesting bonus on this DVD.

A wonderful DVD; a performance and recording of the highest standards. 5 Stars."

Gorgeous recording

S. Park | laguna beach, CA | 09/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I loved this DVD. It is a given that music making by Berlin Phil and Barenboim should be of the highest order --- again amply demonstrated in this DVD. The sound recording is simply gorgeous, probably partly due to the small, wonderfully intimate Estates Theater in Prague where the performance was recorded. Rich bass and beautiful sonorous high register were all there. Mozart can sound wonderful not only in smallish original instrument groups but also in full blooded modern orchestra like BPO --- it gives a different kind of joy to listeners. It was interesting to notice the difference in Barenboim's interpretation of Linz symphony compared to what Carlos Kleiber/Vienna Phil did more than two decades ago, beautifully captured in another DVD. I prefer Kleiber's style but have to admit that Barenboim's approach has its own merit as well. After all, that recording by VPO and Kleiber was a pure magic --- one of a kind. Anyway, I wholeheartedly recommend this DVD. You would not regret getting it."

Strangely unengaging

Ghost(Ghost(M)) | 04/10/2010

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Strangely unengaging is how "Rusty Wires" describes his impressions of this video, and I totally agree with that; couldn't put it better. An OK performance, but ... see the title. From myself, I'd only add that the best symphonies are, imo, the Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic collection (volumes I, II, and III from DG)."