Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, Rachael Beesley & Neal Peres Da Costa - Heavenly Mozart (2023)

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra reinvigorates two of Mozart’s best-known works in its brand-new recording Heavenly Mozart with conductor Rachael Beesley and fortepiano soloist Neal Peres Da Costa, releasing 10 November for digital download or streaming via ABC Classic, and on CD on the ARCO label.

They’re two of Mozart’s most familiar works – the sublime ‘Jupiter’ Symphony No.41 and Piano Concerto No.23. But in Heavenly Mozart the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra re-illuminates this beloved music with a dynamic, historically informed performance that’s closer than ever to how Mozart himself heard it.

Conducted by Rachael Beesley and featuring eminent soloist Neal Peres Da Costa playing a newly commissioned fortepiano, the orchestra’s second CD and first studio recording offers a fresh and distinctive interpretation of the composer’s massive final symphony and popular piano concerto. Based on their new scholarly research into 19th-century piano performance, early recordings and theatrical movement, the recording – available in both physical and digital formats – adds exciting discoveries to the international field of Mozart performance practice.

“As an orchestra, we find creative inspiration in exploring new research materials and methods, from acting expressions, gestures, and declamation to gaining greater insight and inspiration into the performance practices of the time through early historical recordings.” says co-artistic director and conductor Rachael Beesley.

Tracklist
01. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: I. Allegro
02. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. Adagio
03. Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488: II. Allegro assai
04. Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": I. Allegro vivace
05. Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": II. Andante cantabile
06. Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter":III. Menuetto and Trio. Allegretto
07. Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter":IV. Molto allegro