Carlo Maria Giulini's 1991 recordings of Mozart's final two symphonies with the
Berlin Philharmonic are grandly conceived and gloriously executed performances, and, as such, may be too much for younger listeners. It is true that
Giulini's 1965 recording of the same two works with
New Philharmonia made when he was a spry 51 were leaner and more propulsive. But it is also true that the 77-year-old
Giulini was a consummate maestro and a masterful interpreter, and that these 1991 performances are supremely well played by the
Berlin Philharmonic. While
Giulini's broader tempos and more monumental style may cause older listeners to recall the later
Klemperer and
Walter, the textural lucidity and lyrical generosity of these performances are
Giulini's alone. For younger listeners raised with recordings made in the post-historically informed performance practice era,
Giulini and the
Berlin's performances may seem large, heavy, and possibly ponderous. But even younger listeners will have to concede the ensemble virtuosity of the
Berlin in full flight, admit the grandeur of
Giulini's interpretations, and acknowledge the radiant beauty of his long, singing lines. While not necessarily for everyone,
Giulini and the
Berlin's recordings will bring blissful light into any heart willing to welcome it. Sony's remastering of its late-early digital sound is still a bit hard, but not so harsh, still a little bright, but no longer glaring.