From the first lickety-split notes of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro overture, you know you’re in for a rollicking ride here from what is both Julien Chauvin and his period-instrument Le Concert de la Loge’s first foray on Alpha, and the first in their new cycle devoted to Mozart.
Actually, it must be said that the sheer hold-onto-your-hats pace of this Figaro overture takes some getting used to, to the extent that some listeners won’t acclimatise. However, whatever your view on its tempo, it’s certainly a high-impact opener. Also a telling one, given that it strongly suggests – underlined by the concerto and symphony performances that follow – that this cycle’s hallmarks are likely to be ones of breathtaking ensemble virtuosity, feather-light tread laced with plumply punchy explosions, bold individuality, and yes, the speedometer occasionally hitting the red.
Onwards to the Third Violin Concerto, Chauvin as soloist, and this is a thing of joyous beauty, from the gossamer-weighted nimbleness, buoyancy and airy transparency of the ensemble playing, to the clean, unfussy lines and supple elegance from Chauvin himself; and while the central Adagio doesn’t hang around, the overriding impression is of grace rather than hurry, Chauvin spinning his song with uncluttered lyricism over sensuous orchestral throbbing accompaniment, before delivering an exquisitely delicate, gentle-ornamented cadenza. Followed by a gloriously fun-filled, multi-faceted finale that’ll often have you wanting to pick up your dancing shoes. Having recently emerged from a long immersion in the world of Haydn, this lot are experts in eighteenth century musical humour, and it shows.
Likewise for Mozart’s magnificent ”Jupiter” Symphony No. 41 in C major, in that they manage to honour the majesty, pomp and fizz of what was Mozart’s longest symphony, while equally reminding us of its more tongue-in-cheek, opera buffa side.
Talk about a cracking start. Bring on the next instalment! © Charlotte Gardner/Qobuz