The Story Of The Symphony, Vol. 1: Haydn/Mozart

Originally produced for BBC television, this six-part series charts the development of the symphony orchestra as reflected through the works of famous composers. Hosted by Andre Previn, who also conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra during the program, the opener uses background material from the lives and times of Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to demonstrate how the role of the composer was changing from that of court entertainer to creative artist. Haydn, the acknowledged "father of the sym phony" is represented by his symphony no. 87. But the bulk of the narration must perforce go to the colorful Mozart, whose early life is examined in depth. Previn takes particular care to debunk the popular portrait of Mozart's father, Leopold, as being an inhumane monster. Rather than viewing the young Mozart's touring Europe as a hardship, Previn points out that it was Leopold who was responsible, in large part, for Mozart's exposure to culture--a rich opportunity which few of his contemporaries had. Mozart's special contribution to the symphony was his advancement of the idea that "the musical phrase is inextricably bound up with the particular instrument that plays it." The program concludes with a stirring rendition of Mozart's symphony no. 39. Recorded in Hi-Fi stereo, this series opener is an aural and intellectual feast. Other volumes in the series are: Beethoven (see below), Berlioz, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich. Highly recommended. (See AFRICA for address).