Maxim Emelyanychev’s affinity with Mozart is well known, especially when it comes to piano works: in 2018, the conductor and keyboardist treated us to a recording that not only displayed his virtuosity and musicianship, but also revealed his remarkably close understanding of the composer’s music. Today, the symphonies are the focus of his first long-term project with the ensemble Il Pomo d’Oro. This project aims eventually to provide a complete set of the Mozart symphonies. The approach here is original: each volume will feature an early symphony by Mozart, together with one of his great mature symphonies. Each volume will also include a bonus work, featuring a special guest. Inaugurating the series, Maxim Emelyanychev himself provides the bonus with the Piano Concerto No. 23, K. 488, played on a fortepiano, before going on to conduct Mozart’s Symphonies Nos. 1 and 41, his first and his last.