O Mozart! Immortal Mozart! What countless impressions of a brighter, better life hast thou stamped upon our souls! wrote Schubert in his diary a few months before he started composing his Symphony No. 5. There is a distinctly Mozartian aura to be felt in this piece although the romantic harmonies herald the beginning of a new era: the Concert for Violin and Orchestra, the Rondo and the Polonaise all display the characteristic traits of budding Romanticism. Founded in 1981, Capella Savaria has earned its fame as the first period-instrument chamber orchestra in Hungary. Zsolt Kallo, violinist, acts as the concertmaster, soloist, and artistic director of Capella Savaria.

Franz Benda has earned fame especially for his pieces written for the violin; his sonatas (over 150), duos and capriccios have made a significant impact on the development of violin technique. His compositions also include violin concertos and symphonies: Capella Savaria is now offering a collection of these on this album, drawing the portrait of an important composer of the Pre-Classical era.

Capella Savaria has earned its fame as the first period- instrument chamber orchestra of Hungary. The ensemble’s objectives were, from the onset, to play baroque and classical music in an authentic way. This time they perform Mozart’s double concerto (including additions by Robert D. Levin) together with conductor Nicholas McGegan.“Ideally it should not only sound Mozartean in every bar, but should also produce a feeling of balance in both rhetorical and structural domains—a great challenge.”

Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-1792) is often referred to as the Swedish Mozart by popular literature. His style was influenced by the Sturm und Drang movement that he got acquainted with in his early years; the dramatic contrast and passion characterising his music can be attributed to this inspiration. Although he is considered to be a composer of stage music, he also composed a large number of instrumental pieces especially for orchestra and chamber orchestra.

This album features the seldom-played Second Version of the Italian Symphony, and the seldom-played first version of the Violin Concerto. Both are played by the superb early music chamber orchestra, Capella Savaria, conducted by Nicholas McGegan. Zsolt Kalló is the superb violin soloist.

The first disc on the renewed Hungaroton label is the return of the five times “Disc of the Year” award winner ensemble Capella Savaria. The ensemble play period instruments to perform The Four Seasons, one of the most popular pieces of not only Vivaldi but of the Classical genre. It is a master piece, rich and multi-layered and offers something new regardless of how many times one has listened to the work. A stand alone, closed cycle, complimented on this disc by two of Vivaldi’s remarkable violin concertos.