Robert Schumann: Manfred, Op. 115

On this CD:

1. Manfred, overture & incidental music, Op. 115
Composed by Robert Schumann
Performed by Berlin German Symphony Orchestra with Alejandro Ramirez, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Gabriele Schreckenbach, Gudrun Sieber, Harald Stamm
Conducted by Gerd Albrecht

Tracks:

Brandenbutg Concerto No.3 In G First Movement
Overture No.3 In D Second Movement
Violin Concerto In E First Movement
Prelude In C minor
Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude (Chorus From Cantata No.147)
Overture No.2 In B minor Minuet And Badinerie
Oboe Concerto In D minor Second Movement
Brandenburg Concerto No.4 In G Third Movement
Musical Offering - Fuga canonica
Easter Oratorio - Overture
Minuet In D minor
Kommst Du Nun, Jesu, Vom Himmel herunter(From Choral Prelude BWV 650
Brandenburg Concerto No.1 In F Second Movement
Art Of The Fugue - Contrapunctus 9
Concerto For Flute, Violin, Harpsichord And Strings. Triple Concerto - Third Movement
Overture No.4 In D - Réjouissance
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 1 in E: Spring
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 2 in G minor: Summer
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 3 in F: Autumn
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto No. 4 in F minor: Winter
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto for Flute, Strings & Basso Continuo in G minor, Op. 10, no.2
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Concerto Grosso in A minor, Op. 3, no. 8
Water Music - Alla Hornpipe
Xerxes - Ombra Mai Fu (Largo)
Messiah - And The Glory Of The Lord
Concerto Grosso In A Minor, Op. 6, No. 4 - Larghetto Affettuoso
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 4 Allegro
Water Music - Air
Messiah - For Unto Us A Child Is Born
Concerto Grosso In B flat, Op. 3, No. 2 - Largo
Salomon - Sinfonia, Act 3
The Choice Of Hercules - While For Thy Arms
Water Music - Allegro (Suite No. 1)
Suite No. 5 In E - Air With Variations
Jephtha - How Dark, O Lord
Organ Concerto In F, Op. 4, No. 5 Alla Siciliana - Presto
Mi Palpita Il Cor (Solo Cantata) S'un Di M'adora
Water Music - Andante Allegro Da Capo
Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra in E-flat: First Movement
Symphony No. 94 in G: Surprise Symphony-second movement
Concerto for Violin No. 2 in D: Third Movement
Flute Trio No. 31 in G: Second Movement
Symphony No. 31 in D: Hornsignal-First Movement
String Quartet No. 17 in F, Op. 3, no. 5: Serenade Quartet-Second Movement
Sinfonia Concertante in B-flat for Violin, Cello, Oboe, Bassoon and Orchestra-Third Movement
Concerto for 2 Horns & Orchestra in E-flat: Second Movement
Symphony No. 88 in G: Fourth Movement
String Quartet No. 77 in C: Kaiser Quartet-Poco adagio cantabile
Notturno No. 1 in C: Second Movement
Symphony No. 98 in B: Londoner No. 4-Fourth Movement
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - first movement
Piano Concerto in A - second movement
Flute Concerto in D - Rondeau
Serenade - Minuet
Violin Concerto - first movement
Symphony No. 40 in G minor - first movement
Clarinet Concerto - second movement
Turkish March
Divertimento - Minuet
Horn Concerto No. 3 in E-flat - first movement
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67-First Movement
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, no. 2: Moonlight Sonata-First Movement
Overture
O welche Lust (Prisoners' Chorus)
Ha, welch ein Augenblick (Pizarros's Aria)
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37: Second Movement
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 61: Third Movement
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13: Pathétique-Second Movement
Sympony No. 6 in F, Op. 68: Pastorale-First Movement
Fantasy for Piano, Chorus and Orchestra in C minor, Op. 80: Choral Fantasy - Finale
German Dance No. 1 In C
Impromptu Op. 90, No. 3 In G-Flat
Heidenroslein
Ave Maria
Der Lindenbaum
Quintet In A 'Trout Quintet' - Andante
Mass No. 6 In E-Flat - Kyrie
Die Schone Mullerin Des Mullers Blumen
German Dance No. 2 In G
Piano Sonata In B-Flat
Nachtgesang Im Walde
Winterreise - No. 15: Die Krahe
German Mass - Zum Sanctus (Heilit, Heilig Ist Der Herr)
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor 'Unfinished' - Second Movement
Waltz No. 1 in E-flat, Op. 18 Grande Valse brillante
Nocturne in E-flat, Op. 9, no. 2
Etude in G-flat, Op. 10, no. 5
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in F minor, Op. 21-Second Movement
Mazurka in D minor, Op. 33, no. 2
Prelude in D-flat, Op. 28, no. 15 Raindrop
Etude in C, Op. 10, no. 1
Nocturne in D-flat, Op. 27, no. 2
Impromptu No. 4 in C-sharp minor, Op. 66 Fantasy Impromptu
Scherzo in B minor, Op. 20
Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 35-Third Movement
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor - first movement 113.String Seranade - Waltz
Violin Concerto - second movement
The Sleeping Beauty - Waltz
Capriccio Italien, Op. 45
Swan Lake - Waltz
Eugene Onegin - Polonaise
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers
Orchestral Suite No. 4 - Mozartiana - Third Movement
Swan Lake - Dance of the Swans
Symphony No. 6 in B minor - Pathétique - Third Movement
Hungarian Dance No.5
Lullaby
Symphony No.1 in C minor, Op. 68 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in E-flat, Op.117, no. 1
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra in D, Op. 77 - Third Movement
Waltz, Op. 39, no. 15
Concert for Piano and Orchestra No. 2 in B-flat, Op. 83 - Second Movement
String Quintet in G, Op. 111 - Second Movement
Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Third Movement
Intermezzo in A minor, Op. 76, no. 7
Hungarian Dance No.1 in G minor
German Requiem Selig sind die Toten (Final Chorus)
Die Fledermaus - Overture
Kaiser Waltz, Op.437
Thunder And Lightning Polka, Op. 324
Roses From The South Waltz, Op. 388
AnnenPolka, Op. 117
Vienna Blood Waltz, Op. 354
Eljen A Magyar Polka, Op. 332
Wine, Women and Song Waltz, Op. 333
On The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz, Op. 134
Die Meistersinger Von Nurnberg - Overture
Tannhauser - Die Pilger sind's (Pilgims' Chorus)
Tannhauser - O du mein holder Abendstern (Wolfram's Aria)
Lohengrin - Act 3 Prelude and Bridal Chorus
The Flying Dutchman - Jo-ho-he Traft ihr das Schiff (Senta's Ballad)
The Flying Dutchman - Steuermann, lass die Wacht (Sailors' Chorus)
Die Walkure - Wintersturme wichen dem Wonnemond (Siegmund's Aria)
Die Walkure - Ride of the Valkyries
Siegfried Hoho! Hoho! Hohei! Schmiede mein Hammer (Siegfried's Forging Song)
Tristan und Isolde - Liebestod
Thus sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30 (excerpt)
Don Juan, Op. 20
Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64, I.Nacht
Don Quixote, Op.35, first movement: Introduction
Salome, Op. 54, Dance Of The Seven Veils
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, Finale: Hab' mir's gelobt ihn lieb zu haben
Piano Concerto 2 In C minor, Op. 18 - First Movement
Vocalise, Op.34, No. 14
Prelude In G Sharp minor, Op. 32, No. 12
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G minor, Op. 40 - Third Movement
Symphony No. 2 In E minor, Op. 27 - Third Movement
Piano Concerto No. 1 In F sharp minor, Op. 1 - Second Movement
Rhapsody, Op. 43 On A Theme By Paganini
Hungarian Rhapsody No.2
Liebestraum No.3 in A-flat
Piano Concerto No.1 in E-flat - third movement
Angelus
Mephisto Waltz No.1 (Dance in a Village Tavern)
Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H
Dante Symphony - Finale. - Purgatorio - Magnificat
Les Préludes
Boléro
Daphnis et Chloé first movement: Nocturne
Rhapsodie Espagnole
Shéhérazade - first movement: Asie
Ma Mère l'Oye - fourth movement: La Belle et la Bête
Introduction and Allegro for Harp, Flute, Clarinet, and String Quartet
La Valse
Slavic Dance No. 1 in C, Op. 46, no.1
Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 'From the New World' - second movement
Humoresque, Op. 101
Slavic Dance No. 8 in G minor, Op. 46, no. 8
Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 22 - second movement
Romance for Violin and Orchestra In F minor, Op. 11
Symphony No. 7 in D minor - third movement
Melodie (Songs My Mother Taught Me)
Carneval Overture, Op. 92
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in B minor, Op. 104 - third movement
Symphony No.4 In A, Op. 90. Italian - First Movement
Frühlingslied In A, Op. 62, No. 6
Wedding March (From A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op.61)
Duetto In F, Op.30, No.6 (From Songs Without Words)
String Symphony No.9 In C. Schweitzer Symphony - Third Movement
Concerto For Violin, Piano And String Orchestra No. 1 In D minor - Second Movement
Symphony No.3 In A minor, Op.56 Scottish - Third Movement"
Notturno (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Rondo Capriccioso, Op.14
String Symphony No. 12 In G minor - First Movement
Venetian Gondola Song In F Sharp minor, Op.30, No.6
Scherzo (From A Midsumment Night's Dream, Op. 61)
Violin Concerto In E minor, Op.64 - Third Movement
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op. 46 - Morgenstimmung
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - I. Prelude. Allegro vivace
Holberg Suite, Op. 40 - IV. Air. Andante religioso
Arietta, Op. 12, no. 1
Homage March from Sigurd Jorsalfar, Op. 56
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Solveig's Song
Wedding Day at Troldhauen, Op. 65, no. 6
The Last Spring, Op. 34, no. 2
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 1, Op 46 - Anitra's Dance
Nordic Melody Op. 63
Notturno, Op. 54, no. 4
Elegie, Op. 47, no. 5
Peer Gynt - Suite No. 2, Op. 55 - Arabic Dance
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 16 - Allegro
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, Op. 97 - Rhenish - first movement
Traumerai (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)
Mondnacht (from Eichendorff-Liederkreis, Op. 39)
Aufschwung (from Fantasietucke, Op. 12)
Triolett, Op. 114, no. 2
Tanzlied (No. 1 from Duets, Op. 78)
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120 - second movement
Frühlingsgruss
Abschied (from Waldszenen Op. 82)
Dichterliebe, Op. 48 - Im wunderschonen Monat Mai
Manfred Overture, Op. 115
Romance in F sharp, Op. 28, no. 2
Die Rose stand im Tau
Liebesgarten (from Four Duets, Op. 34)
Warum? (from Fantasiestucke, Op. 12)
Kennst du das Land, Op.79, no. 29 (from Lieder der Mignon, Op. 98a)
Von fremden Landern und Menschen (from Kinderszenen, Op. 15)

Album Description

An extraordinary 20-CD collection of great works by Bach, Vivaldi, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Ravel, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninoff, J. Strauss, R. Strauss, Schumann, Wagner, Dvorak, Grieg and Liszt. It also features worldrenowned artists such as Sir Neville Marriner, Martha Argerich, Ivo Pogorelich, Hermann Prey, Reiner Goldberg, Sylvia Sass, Jochen Kowalski, Peter Schreler and many more. This exquisite, copper metallic, deluxe boxed set is the perfect gift for the classical music neophyte.

Customer Reviews:

Mill. Classical review.......2007-05-13

This is a great set of recordings for the money, the only problem was I've had to clean some of the CD's before they played correctly.

classical music for the unitiated.......2007-04-01

This set is a good way to start listening to classical music. It's very well produced and easy to listen to. I purchased it to use as part of my world history high school class. It would have been nice to have some bio information on the composers. However, the product is exactly as advertised and good value for the money. The students were intrigued by how many of the excerpts they had heard before.

Some little gems there that I had forgotten!.......2007-03-30

Although I studied classical music at school, I had all but forgotten it until I bought this set. I heard several tracks I haven't heard for over 30 years, and I had been humming Brahms's 'Hungarian Dance no. 5' for years without ever knowing what it was and it was on the disc, so that was nice.

I found it to be a very good selection overall, but I felt too much had already been heard on TV, which of course is what lots of newcomers to classical music might appreciate. I managed to find about 2 hours of tracks that I wanted to keep, which works out quite expensive per disc, but I did find some wonderful music I had completely forgotten about, so it was worth it. All in all, it represents good value, and I have only knocked one star off as so much of it had been used in adverts.

It is definitely a good introduction to classical music, and it has made me want to listen to more of it, so I don't regret this 'expensive' purchase one bit!

Classical Masterpieces of the Millennium [20 CD Set]

A very helpful collection.......2007-03-24

I define this set as an excellent way to find out who you like, and who you don't, among 20 of the important composers. It opens the door to purchasing more complete pieces by composers you do like, and can save a lot of time and money in the process.
To criticize the set for not containing more composers, or more than just snippets of those who are in the set, is missing the point: it is a helpful introduction to finding your way in the huge maze of classical music. It succeeds admirably in this.
Sound quality is uniformly very good on an audiophile system.
Highly recommended.

Excellent!.......2007-03-08

A great way to start a classical music collection. It's nice to have a full CD of each composer. It makes it easy to keep track of selections/composers I already have and what composers I still need to puchase to complete my collection.

Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture

Average customer rating:

Definitive
Schumann shines
Armchair or Open Windows
More a warning than a review
Strong Historical Performance, Interpretation

Schumann: Symphonies 1-4; Manfred Overture
Robert Schumann , George Szell , and Cleveland Orchestra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorak: Symphony No7;Symphony No8;Symphony No9
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6
Grieg, Schumann: Piano Concertos
Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 92, 94 & 96
EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer

ASIN: B0000029PC
Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': I. Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': II. Scherzo: Sehr Massig
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': III. Nicht Schnell
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': IV. Feierlich
Symphony No. 3 in 3-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish': V. Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: I. Ziemlich langsam-Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: II. Romanze: Ziemlich langsam
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: III. Scherzo: Lebhaft-Trio
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: IV. Langsam-Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: 'Manfred' Overture, Op. 115

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': I. Andante un poco maestoso-Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': II. Larghetto
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': III. Scherzo: Molto vivace-Trio I: Molto piu vivace-Trio II
Symphony No. 1 In B-Flat Major, Op. 38 'Spring': IV. Allegro animato e grazioso
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: I. Sostenuto assai-Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: II. Scherzo: Allegro vivace-Trio I-Trio II
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: III. Adagio expressivo
Symphony No. 2 In C Major, Op. 61: IV. Allegro molto vivace

Amazon.com

George Szell was on record as saying that he believed there was no reason the Schumann symphonies shouldn't be "as popular as Tchaikovsky." When they're played like this, it's hard to disagree. Schumann is one of those composers that every conductor does, but that few do really well. Part of the problem stems from the monochrome orchestration. Szell makes minor adjustments for the sake of clarity, but otherwise leaves it up to his superb orchestra to achieve the proper balances. And despite the usual extraordinary discipline that he imposes on his players, he's not afraid to let the music's Romantic temper burst out now and again in a surge of energy. With excellently remastered sound, this set is certainly one for the record books. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Definitive.......2007-05-17

These definitive recordings show an unusually warm George Szell--not the cold hearted tyrant of legend--working out with the astonishingly polished Cleveland Orchestra. And for once the remastered Columbia/Sony sonics are deep and full and without high end distortion, faithfully reproducing the silky string sound of Severance Hall. These are essential recordings that confirmed Schumann's place as a major symphonist.

Schumann shines.......2007-05-13

This recording has opened up an appreciation of Schumann that I did not have before. Powerful and expressive performance by Szell.

Armchair or Open Windows.......2006-10-25

Brian Knox (review entered below) makes some interesting points about these famed recordings. Szell has a great (and altogether deserved) reputation as a conductor of classical directness and integrity. But - and there is a but with these great recordings - these recordings are not altogether as satisfying as their almost legendary reputation might suggest. There is an unexpected 'plushiness' to Szell's balances that mutes and dulls the edge of these genuinely exciting symphonies. There is just a little too much of the armchair and too little of the open-window.

This is a consequence of Szell's (wholly legitimate) view of these symphonies and their sound-world, of his revisions to the scores and of the recorded balances. Christoph von Dohnanyi (still with the great Cleveland Orchestra) lets far more sunlight and fresh-air onto the scene. So too does Klemperer - a fantastic but rare set (marred a little by his ponderous view of the 2nd symphony). David Zinman with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich is bright, buoyant and wonderfully alive (an outstanding version of the 2nd symphony).

But the real point is that these symphonies are superb works and any of these sets would provide much enjoyment.

More a warning than a review.......2006-02-26

Fantastic set, one of my favorite of a huge pile--the one I seem to go back to most frequently.

If you buy this and the CDs are in non-removable cardboard sleeves inside the packaging (they should be), CAREFULLY take the discs out and put them in jewel cases for the remainder of their (or your) lives. The idiotically designed packaging actually scratches up the discs--primarily the second one (the glued inside (!!) seam rubs up against the surface). I'm meticulous with my CD handling and discovered, to my horror, that this has happened with nearly every set I own in this series!

I've encountered worse elsewhere--trendy avant-garde labels are the worst, they might as well package CDs in sandpaper or include a crowbar [If the moron who designed the breathtakingly idiotic packaging for the KAIROS Morton Feldman disc ever reads this, be warned, I will track you down someday and ruin your career as a designer]; it's amazing that at this late date in the evolution of the CD packaging designers still haven't developed the right sensitivities or simply yielded wholly to the imperfect but better-than-anything-else stock jewel box. Why that ingenius package that would actually automatically lift and free the disc when opened never caught on (despite the added 10 cent per unit cost, that I, for one, would gladly have absorbed) is anybody's guess.

[Post note: Amazing, I publish this solely to cue people that there's a problem with the packaging on this and I get a "not helpful" vote! What a putz!]

Strong Historical Performance, Interpretation.......2005-10-18

As anyone acquainted with "the Trio of German Romantics" (Clara and Robert Schumann, and Johannes Brahms) will know, Robert Schumann's orchestrations are often criticized as greatly inferior to his compositions' other attributes, as well as sub-par with regard to other composers' orchestrations. Gustav Mahler, for example, in attempting to revive Robert Schumann's symphonies, went so far as to essentially re-orchestrate the whole of the four symphonies, he thought the original orchestration so horrendous. Many have followed in this path of adding or taking away from Robert Schumann's orchestrations to popularize his symphonies.

George Szell, who conducts this recording, criticizes such revisions (in the front cover) as "adulterating the character of these works by wrapping them in a meretricious garb of sound alien to their nature." Szell, at home with both the Cleveland Orchestra and Robert Schumann's Symphonies, however, adds some notes and changes of his own atop of Schumann's original scores, though he classifies his alterations as "guided by conscience and taste". According to the front cover, Szell's changes, developed over his years performing the four symphonies, consist of "eliminating doublings, adding or changing notes to clarify themes, adjusting harmonics", as well as the obligatory adjustment of timpani notes (since Schumann wrote for his timpani some dissonant tones, due to the primitive nature of timpani tuning at the time).

Szell's changes to Schumann's orchestration, allegedly in "conscience and taste", are greatly indicative of how Szell views Schumann historically. Szell systematically limits the symphonies' orchestrations to trends likely observed close after "the end" of the Classical period. In Szell's performance the upper strings are the supremely dominant source of melody, as Szell seems to restrain the highly-apt brass section of the Cleveland Orchestra (except, in some cases, the horns) to a role of, largely, dramatic emphasis. Grossly lopsided or unbalanced orchestration, or anything too prominently featuring winds is avoided by Szell, and the full string section is never far from the forefront of the music. Still, Szell often allows the Cleveland Orchestra's lower strings and woodwinds the freedom and spotlight more often the convention in later Romantic works: Szell acknowledges that Schumann's works are after Beethoven's death. All of this through only a relatively small amount of changes to key areas of the music.

Robert Schumann's occasionally underappreciated Symphony no. 3 in Eb ("Rhenish"), can be our case study of Szell's balance between Beethoven's/Mozart's classical refinement and restraint in orchestration and a Brahms's/Bruckner's overt expression and use of orchestra players more equally. In the first movement, for example, horns and the more piercing woodwinds are still allowed the prominence Schumann originally placed them in, but Szell seems to have instructed the players to hold back, both in volume and robustness of expression. On the other hand, Szell summons goose bumps to the back of a Brahms fan, with the two phrases which are almost verbatim from Brahms's Third symphony (at about 7:00 minutes in this recording): Szell makes certain the Orchestra plays with a firm evocation of "Frei aber Froh".

The "Rhenish" Adagio, too, is balanced between Classical taste and Romantic expression. The woodwinds beneath the melody are performed softly and the effect is touching, but the notes are not as moody as they might be in, say, a Debussy piece. Altogether, the effect of this more rigid approach to emotion is much the same as one would expect in a German Classicist: rather than focus on raw, untamed sentiment, the listener is brought to bear with a more cerebral, rational display of themes, variation, etc. This can be good and bad, of course, depending on how you listen to Classical music, and what you think of Robert Schumann, personally. Often, in Beethoven's symphonies, it is important that the listener does not become too enraptured in the momentary experience, for soon he will be removed from that moment and placed further ahead in the developing storyline. Likewise Szell's aversion to blatantly "romantic" Romanticism allows us to see the broader picture of Schumann's music which is a prize in and of itself, though it might be recognized only by a relatively small cognoscente. If you'd rather hear rubato themes and highly expressive notes, this may be a long performance for you, as moments of pure passion are few and far between.

These symphonies and overture are performed almost entirely mistake free, by a world caliber Cleveland Orchestra, well-versed in the ways of its long-time captain (at that time, at least), George Szell. Szell's "taste and conscience", as well as his love for Schumann (through his dedication to both historical accuracy and modern-day attractiveness) shine through this collection expertly, assigning Schumann's symphonic works into the modern Classical listener's repertoire with surprising force.

This collection is not a "must buy". However this set may well be the best performance and direction of the several moderate, historically-minded interpretations of Robert Schumann's symphonies out there. And such historically-minded recordings are the types of recordings you'll want before getting into any radical alteration of Schumann's (such as Mahler's versions). As an introduction to Robert "Schumann: beyond the song", this CD set comes highly recommended. Very highly.

Average customer rating:

Best of Schumann

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Best of Haydn
The Best of Mendelssohn
Best of Schubert
The Best of Brahms
The Best of Liszt

ASIN: B0000014HD
Release Date: 1997-09-11

Tracks:

manfred, Op 115 - overture
kinderszenen, Op. 15 - traumerei (Dreaming)
Piano quintet In E Flat Major, Op.44 - scherzo : molto vivace - trio 1 - trio 2 - l'istesso tempo
fantasiestuke, Op. 73 - zart und mit ausdruck
Piano concerto In A Minor, Op. 54 - allegro affettuoso
carnaval Op. 9 - marche des davidsbundler cotre les philistins
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 97, 'rhenish' - scherzo: sehr massig
waldeszenen, Op. 82 - Bird As prophet
Symphony No.1 In B Flat Major, Op. 38, 'Spring' - Andante un poco maestoso - allegro molto vivace

Average customer rating:

Classical Highlights: Schumann

Manufacturer: St. Clair Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Trios | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B0000CDLC1
Release Date: 2003-09-16

Tracks:

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor: Allegro Affettuoso
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor Intermezzo: Andante ...
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in a Minor: Allegro Vivace
Carneval
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): From Foreign Lands and People
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Perfect Happiness
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Important Event
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Ride of the Rocking Horse
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Almost Too Serious
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Bogeyman's Coming
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Child Falling Asleep
Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood): Hark! The Poet Speaks
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Nicht Zu Schnell
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Langsam
Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in a Minor: Sehr Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Introduction
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor Romance
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Scherzo
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor: Finale
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 1
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 2
FantasiestFantasy Pieces) For Clarinet and Piano, Pt. 3
Waltz "Bunte Bler"
Waltz "Albumbler"

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Andante un Poco Maestoso, ...
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Larghetto, Attaca
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Scherzo - Molto Vivace
Symphony No. 1 in B Flat Major "Spring": Allegro Animato E Grazioso
Manfred Overture
Hermann und Dorothea Overture
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major: Sehr Lebhaft
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major Mit ...
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major in ...
Trio for Violin, Violoncello and Piano No. 2 in F Major: Nicht Zu ...
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Illegro
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Scherzo
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish" Intermezzo
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Andante
Symphony No. 3 in E Flat Major "Rhenish": Finale
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Melodie (Melody)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Soldatenmarsch ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Trerliedchen ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Ein Choral (A Chorale)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Stn (Little Piece)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Armes Waisenkind (Poor ...)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Jrliedchen ...
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Wilder Reiter (Wild ...)
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Volksliedchen (Little Folk
Album F Jugend (Album for the Youth): Frcher Landmann ...

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Schumann: Manfred /Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra * Giulini

Average customer rating:

Giulini in his late style--wise, slow, expressive
What the Hell is This? Way off Base, Way, Way off...
Question:
Flamboyant Rhenish!
boring

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Schumann: Manfred /Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra * Giulini

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 3 / Michelangeli, Giulini
Bruckner: Symphonie No. 9

ASIN: B000001GQW
Release Date: 1996-09-17

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Symphonie Nr. 3 Es-dur Op. 55 'Eroica': Finale. Allegro molto
'Manfred' - Ouverture Op. 115

Customer Reviews:

Giulini in his late style--wise, slow, expressive.......2006-09-26

If you want an ultra-dynamic or fervent reading of the Eroica, Giulini's 1979 version from Los Angeles won't satisfy--at 20 min., the first movement is considerably slower than the norm, even for the era before period style sped things up. But there's not a boring note here. Giulini imparts expressivity to this music in such a way that you believe in his viewpoint, which is romantic, inward and personal. The LA Phil, who adored him, are right in step, and DG's recording has a ful, warm bloom about it.

For its air of hushed awe, I can't think of another Eroica quite like this one. Soon Giulini's conducting would become so slow that he ws communicating basically with himself. I consider this to be late-period Giulini at its wisest even though he lived another 24 years. The Manfres over., which is in the same style, comes from 1982 and was recorded digitally.

What the Hell is This? Way off Base, Way, Way off..........2006-01-08

I just got done reviewing Giulini's majestic version of Beethoven's 5th symphony and Schumann's 3rd symphony, coupled together on one CD, played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. That's practically the same recipe for this CD here, Beethoven and Schumann, Giulini and the LAPO. So what's wrong here? This record stems from the late 70's when Giulini was just taking over the LAPO and raising them to an internationally renowned orchestral powerhouse. His performance of Beethoven's Eroica has the orchestra playing beautifully but it's Giulini's interpretation that's off the wall, exceptionally so in the first movement. There are expansive performances and then there are slow, bored to death performances. Guess which one Giulini falls into? You're right, he's the slow, bores me to death type here. The Eroica first movement takes 14-15 minutes to get through typically. If you take the exposition repeat, you should get 17-18 minutes. Period instrument speed freaks can through it with the exposition repeat in 15-16 minutes. Very fast. Guess how long it takes Giulini to get through it? Give up? How about 20 minutes, 34 seconds?! My God, he's slow! Beyond the slowness, it just doesn't have much power and this symphony is all about heroism, power, drama, all that good stuff. Giulini brings out some details but looses the overall picture. His later movements are not as bad but all of them are very boring. The funeral march lacks emotional gravity, it just slacks through. The scherzo is dull and lifeless and the finale plods and plods with no end.

The Schumann Manfred Overture isn't so hot either, I've heard much more propulsive recordings that beat Giulini easily. So really, I don't get it, why does Giulini give such a great performance of Beethoven's 5th ( get that later CD, please!) and such a terrible performance of Beethoven's 3rd? Oh well, it's a shame.

For the Eroica, go to Karajan in 1962 or the last digital version, ( Karajan Gold ), from the 1980's, which is just amazing. Klemperer's 1961 record is also monumental, ( if you like slow tempos ). There is also Szell with the Cleveland Orchestra and Furtwangler's wartime version with the Berlin Philharmonic, ( greatness personified ), so why would you want this Giulini version, other than for some variety? You should buy it only if you have at least 5 other, better Eroicas already in your collection.

Question:.......2005-07-04

Whose orchestration of Schumann's Manfred is used in and what is the year of this recording?

Flamboyant Rhenish!.......2004-06-21

Schumann 's Third Symphony is filled with Dionsyian elegance.Giulini gives an arresting reading of this one.
I don't know about another version above this one.

You'll be shocked by the living joy this work will raise in you , thanks to this master of the batoon.

The Eroica is conventional. You'll find better readings in the market, but Schumann is the winner.

boring.......2004-04-25

giulini is lyrical, introspective, maybe too self-indulgent. to my ears, the music doesn't sing. try fricsay if you like slow tempos. his reading is much more interesting.

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Live Recordings 1944-1953

Average customer rating:

A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art

Wilhelm Furtwängler: Live Recordings 1944-1953
Ludwig van Beethoven , Franz Schubert , Robert Schumann , Johannes Brahms , Anton Bruckner , Richard Strauss , Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky , Paul Hindemith , Cesar Franck , Maurice Ravel , Richard Wagner , Wilhelm Furtwangler , Berlin Philharmonic , and Vienna Philharmonic
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 1
Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 2
An Anniversary Tribute
Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO
CARL SCHURICHT Decca Recordings 1949-1956

ASIN: B00007BGXS
Release Date: 2003-02-11

Album Details

Original Masters serie.

Customer Reviews:

A representative introduction to Furtwängler's art.......2003-02-15

We are not exactly short on recordings by Wilhelm Furtwängler, and for collectors and aficionados of the great German conductor this box of 6 CDs with live recordings from 1944-1953 will undoubtedly be a severe disappointment. The only rarity is the (otherwise unnecessary) Tchaikovsky "Pathétique" from Cairo, 1951. All the rest are reissues and have been released by various labels in different couplings.

This set is therefore mainly destined for anybody wanting a well-programmed and representative introduction to the art of Furtwängler. Except for the already mentioned Tchaikovsky, the "Rapsodie espagnole" by Ravel, and the "Symphonic Metamorphosis" by Hindemith, interesting but not really indispensable, the rest of the box is required listening. There are stunningly revelatory cuts of Brahms 2nd (Vienna, 1945), Beethoven's 7th (Berlin, 1953), Schubert's 8th (Berlin, 1952), Bruckner's 8th (Vienna 1944), and a formidable disc of orchestral excerpts from Wagner's operas. On top of that the Vienna 1944 recording of Beethoven's Leonore III is a real killer. The "Haydn Variations" by Brahms, "Manfred" by Schumann, "Don Juan" by Strauss, and the "Symphony" by Franck are equally rewarding.

It goes without saying that the sound quality of these live recordings from the 1940s and 1950s is variable, although within context everything is acceptable and well remastered (There is some serious distortion though in the final movement of the Franck "Symphony").

This set comes in yet a new limited-edition historical series "Original Masters" from Deutsche Grammophon. The liner notes emphasizing the rarity of the recordings (so-called "buried musical treasures") are however to be taken with more than a grain of salt. The presentation of the CDs in paper bags with a transparent cover isn't exactly a great idea either.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding Schumann interpretations.......2007-06-09

Franz Konwitschny is perhaps not the most well-known conductor, probably partly due to the fact that he worked and lived in East Germany during the Cold War. He was born in 1901, Fulnek, Northern Moravia, and he died in 1962 in Belgrade, former Yugoslavia while conducting in a TV broadcast. From 1949 until his death he was principal conductor for the Gewandhausorchester in Leipzig, where he became a DDR classical superstar. He received a state funeral in that city, with a crowd weeping some miles along the streets.

This box collects his outstanding Schumann interpretations - the four symphonies, the "Genoveva" and "Manfred" overtures, and the rarely performed "Konzertstück für vier Hörner", op. 86 and the "Overture, Scherzo, and Finale", op. 52. All performances were recorded in the "Studio" Bethanienkirche in Leipzig, with its excellent acoustics. They are also taped in very good early vintage analogue stereo by the VEB Deutsche Schallplatten engineers - and the Berlin Classics' remasterings are excellent.

In sum, these are classic DDR Schumann recordings, in the old school style from a great conductor - what more could you ask for? Of course, for the symphonies, we have strong competition: references include Kubelik (SONY), Szell (SONY) and, recently, Barenboim (Teldec). But Konwitschny's performances are second to none, even if I don't want to be without any of these other recordings.

Warmly recommended!

(The Schumann cycle is also included in the box "The Art of Franz Konwitschny", vol. 2.)

Average customer rating:

For Rene Leibowitz fans only...
Extraordinary Performances In Superb Sound
Powerful Schumann
Has to be heard to be believed.

The GERMAN ALBUM

Manufacturer: Chesky Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Beethoven: Egmont Overture
Beethoven: Symphonies 6 & 8
Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 5
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7
An Evening of Opera

ASIN: B000003GE0
Release Date: 1994-01-17

Tracks:

Overture To Tannhauser
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Scherzo: Sehr Massig
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Nicht Schnell
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Feierlich
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat, Op. 97 'Rhenish': Overture To Manfred, Op. 115
Mephisto Waltz (The Dance At The Village Inn)

Customer Reviews:

For Rene Leibowitz fans only..........2006-09-04

It is remarkable how other previous reviewers seem to care nothing for Leibowitz's willful alterations to the score (I thought we had long ago passed that nonsense about Schumann's own poor ability to orchestrate which permitted, if not required, others to come in and touch up the scores as it suited them) - as Leibowitz does here - not to mention the intrusively agogic tempi that even Bernstein doesn't attempt. - If you love the "Rhenish", stick to Sawallisch, Szell, or Zinman.

Now I love the engineering of Ken Wilkinson and Charles Gerhardt in whatever capacity, but this is one of the LEAST impressive of their Readers Digest recordings (released by David Chesky). In fact, ironically it is in only the one non-German piece, Liszt's "The Mephisto Waltz," that we get the kind of great sound they were famous for.

Add to all this, a frightfully undistiguished Tannhäuser (by the way, the umlaut comes over the second "a", not the first - as the CD liner notes and titles would have it here) bettered by countless other conductors, and you've got a CD for Leibowitz completists only.

Extraordinary Performances In Superb Sound.......2005-06-12

Chesky has done an absolutely first-class job of transferring these classics to CD. Produced by the legendary team of Charles Gerhardt & Kenneth Wilkinson, these recordings from 1960-62, originally on Reader's Digest LPs, emerge here in absolutely demonstration quality sound.

Sonic hedonism aside, the performances are fully worthy of the highest praise. Rene Leibowitz (1913-1975) was one of the last century's great conductors, and these readings represent some of his finest moments. Wagner's Tannhauser is given a dynamic reading, and it ranks with the greatest in stereo (e.g., Bruno Walter, Hans Knappertsbusch) as well as such mono landmarks as those by Mengelberg and Furtwangler.

To my taste, this sparkling Leibowitz account of Schumann's wonderful "Rhenish" Symphony is the finest-ever stereo version. A stretched rubato or two aside, this is a miraculously exciting performance, and Leibowitz's exceptional transparency is evident everywhere (you can follow the score and be amazed at how EVERYTHING "sounds out"). The only recorded "Rhenish" performances that come close to this one for me are the Schuricht/Paris Conservatory (Decca) and the Kletzki/Israel Philharmonic (Angel LP), but those are both in mono.

Leibowitz gives a fine account of the Manfred Overture, although it misses some of the grandeur of Furtwangler (DG) and the sheer neurotic dualism (Florestan vs. Eusebius) of Kletzki (my favorite, coupled with the Rhenish). Finally, there is a stunning Mephisto Waltz, easily in the same exalted stereo category as those by Paray (Mercury) and Scherchen (DG Westminster). It even comes close to my all-time favorite: Weingartner and the London Symphony (IMG).

The only oddities here: 1) what is a Hungarian composer like Liszt doing in a collection called "The German Album?" and 2) Leibowitz conducts the Royal Philharmonic in all four pieces, but in the Mephisto the ensemble is called the "International Symphony Orchestra" (probably a carryover from the LP days when, due to contractual obligations, orchestras were often forced to use "nom de disque" designations).

Very warmly recommended.

Jeff Lipscomb

Powerful Schumann.......2003-09-05

Leibowitz is one of the most underrated conductors ever. It is a pity that the recordings with this remarkable conductor are few. This is a good recording if not exceptional. It is a powerful reading not unlike another great Schumann conductor, Riccardo Muti. But where Muti get's fantastic response from his orchestra Leibowitz is sometimes let down by his. The balance and the phrasing are not without criticism but you have to admire the conviction and the power. It is certainly not a first choice in this music but you can always buy it and enjoy the ride !

Has to be heard to be believed........2002-12-19

This is a great CD - one of my very favorites. Rene Leibowitz was so underrated, it's criminal. Considering all the mediocrity recorded during the 1950s and 60s, it is certainly puzzling why such a brilliantly talented and highly versatile conductor like Leibowitz was so rarely recorded. He should have been given a comprehensive series of recordings on a major label with major orchestras and performers.

This Schumann Symphony No. 3 is one of the finest recordings of anything I know. Leibowitz makes legends look like amatures with this performance. The precision and clarity he gets from this orchestra is geniunely astonishing. The Schumann 3rd symphony has one of the thickest and seemingly hopeless orchestrations, yet through his sheer skill and occasional touch-ups to the score, Leibowitz turns this symphony into pure, clear and crisp musical magic from start to finish. A really remarkable achievement. An absolute travesty we didn't get an entire Schumann symphony set from Rene.

The rest of the disc is also fantastic, especially his hair raising and profound interpretation of the Tannhauser Overture.

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 - Rhenish: Lebhaft
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 - Rhenish: Scherzo Sehr Massig
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 - Rhenish: Nicht Schnell
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 - Rhenish: Feierlich
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 - Rhenish: Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: Ziemlich Langsam-Lebhaft
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: Romanze - Ziemlich Langsam
Symphony No. 4 in D Minor, Op. 120: Scherzo - Labhaft
Langsam--Lebhaft
Overture - Manfred - Op. 115: Rasch - Langsam - In Leidenschaftlichem Tempo - Langsam

Customer Reviews:

A magnificent set in fine sound.......2005-03-18

When great cycles of the Schumann symphonies are mentioned, I don't know why this one rarely if ever comes up. To my mind, it's vastly superior to the Szell/Cleveland cycle, if one wants to stray no further than this label, and the recorded sound is far superior, too. (I'm befuddled over the glowing reviews the Szell gets--I love Szell, but I find these generally ordinary performances in gray sound.) Here we have the Bavarian Radio Symphony, whose enthusiasm for this music is obvious. (Either that or it's their enthusiasm for Kubelik--he has produced other joyous discs with them.) They play in a very unmannered, spontaneous way that suggests that 80 musicians just happened to arrive at the same interpretive idea at the same moment. The tempi are medium, there are some tremendous dynamics, and the sound is fat and ripe without wallowing in excessive Romanticism or a thick, muddy sound. Schumann has been savaged by critics for generations for what are considered to be poorly-orchestrated symphonies, but I don't hear any evidence of it here. The color and warmth are second to none, with a truly spring-like No. 1, a No. 2 that has some of the most transparent orchestration and thrilling string writing in the repertoire (what fun the scherzo must be to play). Kudos to Kubelik for making the coda NOT sound like it's Beethoven-derived by underplaying the da-da-da-daaa march rhythm.

The Third Symphony first movement, in a rollicking 6/8, is filled with vigor and forward momentum, while at the same time the counterpoint never gets smothered as it does on some other recordings (Karajan's, for example--he seems to have some difficulty picking through Schumann's rich textures, though I like his performances a lot). More importantly, though, is his sure sense of structure in this, Schumann's longest symphony. It's hard to explain in a brief review, but some interpretors get lost in the forest here. Kubelik's sense of pacing, build and tension and release are second to none here, making this one of the great Thirds I've ever heard.

The Fourth is one of the all-time great readings of this work. While not quite on a par with the immortal Furtwangler, there are some dark moments in the development section of the first movement that are absolutely stunning, although WF competely outconducts Kubelik (and everyone else) in the finale. I found myself drawn into this powerful music like I am with few conductors.

Kubelik's attention to dynamics is particularly notable; here especially these recordings triumph the Szell set with their big, fat (but never tubby) mid-Romantic, mid-European sound. There are many other fine Schumann cycles out there: Bernstein's last with DG (marred by mannerisms, however; what a surprise), Haitink's with the Concertgebouw (a little stodgy in places, however), Karajan's set with the BPO (though it's a bit thick in places). Sawallisch with the Dresden Staatskapelle is also very solid, though not particularly imaginative, and well-recorded. In addition, Marriner once record a superb No. 2 (now sadly out of print) and of course there's Furtwangler's immortal 4th. These recordings deserve to be up there with the best of them, and are, as I said, better than the set by Szell.

Part Two of Kubelik's Best Schumann Symphony Cycle.......2001-08-25

Rafael Kubelik's second Schumann Symphony Cycle with the Bavaria Radio Symphony Orchestra is still overshadowed by his earlier, legendary Deutsche Grammophon cycle performed by the Berlin Philharmonic. However, I believe the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra plays with more warmth and enthusiasm than its peers in Berlin. Kubelik's account of the 3rd Symphony is one of the most electrifying I have heard, easily surpassing Leonard Bernstein's, for example and his version of the 4th Symphony is almost just as fine. Those interested in a great Schumann symphony cycle should consider this CD and its companion as first choice.

And you call yourself a Schumann fan?.......2000-11-23

Of course, if you do, you probably already have these well-crafted performances by Kubelik and the BRSO from the 1970s. If you don't, well, dude, they are better recorded than Kubelik's set with the Berlin Philarmonic on DG from the 1960s and just as well-played. I don't think anyone will top Szell's performance with the Cleveland Orchestra of Schumann's 4th from the recently re-released Columbia Masterworks set, but I wouldn't let that stop you. Prices and performances like these don't come around too often. So if you like every classical music lover's favorite manic-depressive, get these while you can. BTW, the cassette sounds great in the car, or even in my Ford truck!