Cecilia Bartoli, Nikolaus Harnoncourt - Mozart / Cecilia sing Mozart Arias, Symphony 38 "Prague"

Rating:
Summary: Bartoli shines in new Mozart performance
Review: Gorgeous setting, lovely music, expert conducting, flawless singing. It's nice to see a Bartoli slightly more spirited than in her "Live in Italy" DVD but less frenetic than in "Viva Vivaldi".

Rating:
Summary: Bartoli, Harnoncourt and B. Large... Great tribute to Mozart
Review: This is a magnificent DVD

This all Mozart concert was recorded live in Graz, Austria and features mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli, conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt with the Concentus Musicus Wien.

The first half of the disc features Bartoli singing some of Mozart's lesser know arias. Songs that were intended to replace arias in some of his or other opera writers works. This was sometimes done to feature a particular singer whose voice was not suited to the original work. My favorite piece by Bartoli is the lilting 3/4 time "Un moto di gioia mi I sento" ( intended to be used in "Le Nozze di Figaro")

The second half of the concert is Mozart's Symphony #38 "Prague". This, I believe, is the only DVD recording of this work and is played beautifully by the orchestra. The third movement is truly outstanding.

However, as beautiful as Bartoli sings and as expressively as Harnoncourt conducts, the truly outstanding individual talents shown on this DVD are really brought together by the director, Brian Large; his expertise has resulted in a product of superior quality . The great camera work and film editing has captured many appealing, animated moments by both performers. (especially of Harnoncourt directing the "Prague") Also, the switching of the cameras to the proper instrument is done with impeccable timing and great effect.

In addition to the DVD, there is an informative booklet that goes to some length to explain the reason some of these aria were written, and as well, gives some insight as to what was going on in Mozart's life at the time. Also, there is an extra segment on this disc which documents how much time and work was involved with setting up the lights, cameras and stage for the filming of this live recording.

The DVD has a good menu and you can select which scene you wish to watch: The only niggling complaint would be that the only subtitle language choice is that of English. I must admit, once I get familiar with a work, I like to follow it in the language it is sung in. ( in this case Italian)

All in all, a classical DVD of the highest quality. Highly recommended.