Discover why Mozart is the world's most popular composer in this glorious selection of highlights on two discs, performed by some of the foremost interpreters of his music. Almost every genre is represented, so if you are only familiar with one area of the great Wolfgang's output, this is an ideal way to explore others. Highlights from the operas include sopranos Renée Fleming and Anne Sofie von Otter poignantly sighing through the farewell trio from Cosí fan tutte, Bryn Terfel singing Don Giovanni's charming, chilling serenade, and Sumi Jo shattering glass in the Queen of the Night's aria from The Magic Flute. Other great moments include legendary horn player Barry Tuckwell in the finale from the fourth horn concerto, King's College Choir singing a ghostly Ave Verum, and revered Mozartian Radu Lupu playing the slow movement of Piano Concerto No. 21 ("Elvira Madigan"). Obviously, with recordings from so many different times and places, the acoustics and recording levels vary between tracks, so a little ear adjustment is necessary, but quibbles aside, this is a generous compilation of some great playing and singing. --Warwick Thompson
