Filmed mainly in Vienna's splendid "Musikvereinssaal," the Mozart
symphonies conducted by Karl Böhm are all interpreted by one of the world's
foremost orchestras, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, whose principal
conductors have included Wilhelm Furtwängler, Bruno Walter, Herbert von
Karajan, Claudio Abbado and, of course, Karl Böhm. "Thanks to Bruno
Walter's exemplary performances, particularly of Mozart's works, I grabbed
on to Mozart and fell in love with him so much that I had only one wish: to
conduct Mozart, Mozart, Mozart." (Karl Böhm)
This scintillating little symphonic gem marks a new climax in Mozart's
treatment of the form: in addition to the forceful, clear-cut themes of the
first and last movements, Mozart now makes a more refined and subtle use of
counterpoint. The last movement also features the most dramatic development
section thus far. Although certain aspects of the work may point to the
influence of Michael Haydn, Joseph Haydn's younger brother, Mozart
basically dipped into the stock of proven orchestral devices and
techniques, transforming them into inimitably "Mozartean" ideas.
Karl Böhm was universally acclaimed for his Mozart interpretations. Though
Wagner was one of Böhm's first loves, his friendship with Richard Strauss
led to a deep knowledge and appreciation of Mozart. In his autobiography,
Böhm wrote that "Richard Strauss revealed to me the ultimate secrets of
this, in my opinion, greatest of all musical geniuses, Mozart." Böhm's
discovery of these secrets transformed his Mozart interpretations into
unforgettable events.
The DVD is also released within the complete "Mozart / Böhm" DVD package which is available in selected stores worldwide and through Amazon or JPC.