Mozart Symphonies

American conductor John Nelson was Music Director of the Orchestral Ensemble of Paris for 10 years, and when he stepped down in 2008, decided to make one last recording together before then end of his directorship.  (He is now the Honorary Music Director of the group.)  During his tenure, Nelson and the EOP have immersed themselves in Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven.  In fact they are among the few ensembles in “Mannheim formation;” exactly the content and arrangement of the orchestra most favored in the 18th century.

So it was decided for their finale together they would record the last three symphonies of Mozart in the way they’ve come to feel is most authentic and respectful to what Mozart meant, and heard, when he wrote these works.  These three symphonies may have been intended as a cycle by the composer, and they’re considered the pinnacle of his symphonic art.  The last two in particular are some of Mozart's finest music:  The Symphony No. 40, only the second time Mozart ever wrote a symphony in a minor key, and the Symphony No. 41, called (though not by the composer) The Jupiter.

To round out this 2-CD set, the group naturally chose to perform their “own” symphony, the Paris, No. 31.  So here is a loving, insightful and deeply-felt performance of music so close to the hearts of these devoted and brilliant musicians.

The recording was made in the Church of Notre-Dame du Liban in Paris, three months before Nelson left his position as Music Director.