
The disc’s title is actually Mozart: The Violin Concertos (Highlights), but I think the
designation “Highlights” is misleading. It makes it appear as if there are only
portions of the concertos involved when, rest assured, we get three complete
violin concertos. It’s just that originally DG issued the five concertos along
with the Sinfonia concertante in a
two-disc set, so this single-disc audiophile release contains only three items
from that bigger package; thus, the possibly confusing “Highlights” tag.
The two big questions, of course, are whether Ms. Mutter’s
newer interpretations improve upon her early ones and whether JVC’s remastering
is worth the money, both highly subjective judgments. Let’s start with the
performances.
The newer interpretations have plenty of zip and thrust
and a greater rhythmic bounce than the earlier ones. Ms. Mutter entertains
slightly quicker tempos than before, perhaps as a nod to the period-practice
crowd. Still, these are essentially gentle, cultured, mature, and lyrical
readings, never overstepping the bounds of tradition. The older performances seem
a modicum more reserved, more classical in tone. Moreover, the slow movements
in the newer performances are as heartfelt as ever, so there is really nothing
lost, unless it’s the more Romantic, dreamy-eyed sentiment of Muti and Karajan.
If anything, Ms. Mutter is today better able to make her violin cry out in joy
and passion. Her intonation, phrasing, style, and delivery are, as always, spot
on, graceful and articulate.
All I can say about the JVC remaster is that the disc
ain’t cheap, but it sure sounds good. Unfortunately, and here’s the rub, while
I usually have the original discs for side-by-side comparisons, this time I did
not have the regular DG set available. What I did have were Mutter’s old Muti
(EMI) and Karajan (DG) discs, as well as the knowledge that in my prior
experience every XRCD I’ve ever compared to its original counterpart has
sounded better (although in some cases just barely). I have no reason to think
the same isn’t true here.

In a nutshell, if you like Ms. Mutter’s earlier
interpretations of the concertos, you will no doubt like her newer ones as
well; they may lose a little something in formal classical feel and design, but
they make up for it in joyous spontaneity. In terms of sound, the JVC remaster
is hard to fault; it’s a tad close but sleek and polished, with no hint of
distortion.
Just remember, the JVC disc isn’t for everyone; you can
buy DG’s two-disc set much cheaper than this single disc, and I cannot even
vouch absolutely for the JVC’s sonic superiority; therefore, I could not in all
conscience recommend the remaster without qualification. JVC clearly intend the
product for well-heeled audiophiles. What’s more, you may have trouble finding
it for sale, short of ordering it from Europe or Japan, where it would be more
prohibitively expensive given the shipping costs involved. Nevertheless, if
you’re really intent on pursuing it, several places you can buy JVC XRCD’s in
the U.S. include Elusive Disc (http://www.elusivedisc.com/) and Acoustic Sounds
(http://store.acousticsounds.com/).
To hear a brief excerpt from this album, click here:
JJP
JJP
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