Intended as a "lively bit of traveling music," MOZART FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE is part of Philips' series of "Set Your Life to Music" compilations, each of which highlights a single composer "in a particular mood." Despite the deceptive packaging with its cartoon drawings, this is an anthology of very high degree in terms of both repertoire and performance. Since each recording comes from the Philips stable, the listener is treated to performances by world-class orchestras, including the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the English Baroque Soloists.As the title indicates, each track lands on the fast side of the metronome, highlighting Mozart's playful spirit with no chance for a respite in an andante anywhere. The selections balance the familiar with lesser known works across a broad range of forms, from concerti to symphonies. The booklet draws attention to Mozart's inventive and colorful personality without going into detail about the works themselves. Although presented as a way to get yourself going in the morning, this music is delightful and creates enough real pleasure that it is not a stretch to say that it can be enjoyed on the way home as well.

Intended as a "lively bit of traveling music," MOZART FOR THE MORNING COMMUTE is part of Philips' series of "Set Your Life to Music" compilations, each of which highlights a single composer "in a particular mood." Despite the deceptive packaging with its cartoon drawings, this is an anthology of very high degree in terms of both repertoire and performance. Since each recording comes from the Philips stable, the listener is treated to performances by world-class orchestras, including the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields and the English Baroque Soloists.
As the title indicates, each track lands on the fast side of the metronome, highlighting Mozart's playful spirit with no chance for a respite in an andante anywhere. The selections balance the familiar with lesser known works across a broad range of forms, from concerti to symphonies. The booklet draws attention to Mozart's inventive and colorful personality without going into detail about the works themselves. Although presented as a way to get yourself going in the morning, this music is delightful and creates enough real pleasure that it is not a stretch to say that it can be enjoyed on the way home as well.