John Nelson, one of the world’s most versatile and accomplished conductors, also a great interpreter of this repertoire, conducts The Ensemble Orchestral de Paris in this 2CD release that features some of Mozart’s most famous symphonies including the ‘Paris’ and ‘Jupiter’ Symphony.

For the last and final concert in the wonderful collaboration between John Nelson and The Ensemble orchestral de Paris, there was no question in John Nelson’s mind but to program the pinnacle of the repertoire written for the size of the ensemble – Mozart’s symphonies. Ten years separate the writing of the four Mozart symphonies featured on this 2CD set. Mozart’s 31st Symphony in D Major was written not long after he moved to Paris in 1778, and was premiered that same year. As the last three symphonies (Nos. 39-41) were written in a very short time during 1788, it appears likely that the composer conceived them as a cycle. The last of these, the 41st in C Major was later given the name “Jupiter” by the English impresario Salomon, and is considered by many to be the culmination of Mozart’s genius with its constant inventiveness and dizzying expressivity.

The main challenge John Nelson faced when recording these symphonies was to rediscover ‘the true Mozart style’ that he felt had been clouded by years of bad practice and to let Mozart’s vivacious personality speak freely. Nelson is recognized throughout the world for his interpretations of the great Romantic works, the Baroque repertoire, his vibrant approach to Mozart and Haydn, and his enthusiasm for contemporary music. He has been music director of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and the Caramoor Music Festival in New York. He was also guest conductor of the Orchestre National de Lyon. Since 1998 John Nelson has been music director of the Ensemble orchestral de Paris. His list of recordings (on EMI, Virgin Classics, Sony, Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, BMG, and Erato) is rich and varied. Among the prestigious awards he has received are a Grammy for Handel’s Semele, a Diapason d’Or of the year for Berlioz’s Béatrice et Bénédict, and two Victoires de la Musique Classique with the Ensemble orchestral de Paris for Best Music DVD of 2004 (the Beethoven Piano Concertos with François-René Duchâble) and Best Ensemble of 2004.