Schubert: Symphonies No. 5 & 8

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

2. Symphony No. 8 in B minor ("Unfinished"), D. 759
Composed by Franz Schubert
Performed by New Philharmonia Orchestra
Conducted by Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Average customer rating:

GORGEOUS!
Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
great
The Complete Wedding Album
Almost the compete wedding album

The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
Classical Wedding Traditions

ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Rigaudon - Empire Brass
Sinfonia - Michael Murray
Toccata - Michael Murray
Wedding March - Michael Murray
The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
Te Deum - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Rondeau - Empire Brass
Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

Rondeau - Michael Murray
Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
Largo - Angel Romero
Largo - Larry Cooperman
Largo - Keith Clark
Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.

Average customer rating:

Overall- A very good value
Excellent Schubert from Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic
Average Sound Quality but Great Packaging and Great Value for Money!!
Great performances
Beautiful, but a bit heavy at times

Schubert: 8 Symphonies

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Mahler: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00005KK4P
Release Date: 2001-10-09

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in D, D.82: 1. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: 2. Andante
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: 3. Menuetto. Allegretto
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: 4. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: 1. Largo - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: 2. Andante - Vars I-V
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace - Trio
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: 4. Presto Vivace

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in D, D.200: 1. Adagio Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: 2. Allegretto
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: 3. Menuetto. Vivace
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: 4. Presto Vivace
Sym No.4 in c, D.417: 1. Adagio Molto - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.4 in c, D.417: 2. Andante
Sym No.4 in c, D.417: 3. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace - Trio
Sym No.4 in c, D.417: 4. Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: 1. Allegro
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: 2. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: 3. Menuetto. Allegro Molto - Trio
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: 4. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.6 in C, D.589 'Little C Major Sym': 1. Adagio - Allegro
Sym No.6 in C, D.589 'Little C Major Sym': 2. Andante
Sym No.6 in C, D.589 'Little C Major Sym': 3. Scherzo. Presto - Piu Lento
Sym No.6 in C, D.589 'Little C Major Sym': 4. Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

Sym No.8 in b, D.759 'Unfinished': 1. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.8 in b, D.759 'Unfinished': 2. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.9 in C, D.944: 1. Andante - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.9 in C, D.944: 2. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.9 in C, D.944: 3. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.9 in C, D.944: 4. Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Overall- A very good value.......2007-04-07

There is no way for me to make my review short and sweet, so instead I will point out EVERYTHING I can about these CD's, and then you can decide if this product is right for you. I have always been a big fan of Mozart and Beethoven, and only recently have learned to appreciate the genius of Schubert. I have listened to over four versions of the 4th, 8th, and 9th symphonies, and I would put these versions somewhere in the middle of the pack. In my opinion they are better that The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields's version (Which is TOO FAST) but not as good as Claudio Abbado and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. Abbado's versions are BEAUTIFUL recordings, but that set costs over $150. Let's face it, you get what you pay for. (FYI -I have never heard Muti's versions). Now, as far as the actual fidelity/ sound quality of the recordings, they are just a notch below the rest. I did notice this when I played several versions back-to-back with this one. (Once again- you get what you pay for). If you are a casual listener of classical music, or you are looking for an economical way to get exposure to all of Schubert's symphonies, then this is probably the right set for you. (How can you beat the price ??) If you are a real die- hard classical listener, I want to point out one other thing: These versions do not repeat the exposition in the first movements. They play it once and then go right to the development section. For those of you who don't know what I am talking about- ignore this- never mind, and think about the other things that I said. I hope that I have been helpful. I will finish by saying that I'm amazed by the genius of Schubert and his music, and I encourage anyone who loves classical music to listen to these symphonies (esp 4,8, and 9) regardless of which version you buy.

Excellent Schubert from Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic.......2007-03-23

Karl Bohm's recordings of the Schubert Symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic were made in 1963 (Symphonies 8 and 9), 1966 (Symphonies 5 and 6), and 1972 (Symphonies 1,2,3, and 4) and still stand up well today.
Bohm has a superb command of each symphony's architecture, and DG's recorded sound in all one could ask for: much better than Karajan's 1980s Berlin recordings for DG.

I believe Bohm's Schubert recordings are better than the more recent DG's of Abbado/Chamber Orchestra of Europe, which strike me as rather light and chamber like by comparison. Since I like big orchestra Schubert, I prefer Bohm.

Karl Bohm lived 1894-1981, and began making recordings with the Dresden State Orchestra in 1934. I highly recommend Bohm's Schubert cycle, and also his Mozart Symphonies (DG, also with the Berlin Philharmonic) and Beethoven Symphonies (DG, 1970-72, in three different Doubles releases, with the Vienna Philharmonic), essential to any collection of great music.

Average Sound Quality but Great Packaging and Great Value for Money!!.......2006-06-18

You'd be hard pressed to find a better performance of all Schubert's 8 Symphonies than the ones in this very well designed and packaged box set by Karl Bohm and the Berlin Philharmonic. The only knock on this collection is that the sound quality, although listed at ADD standard isn't the best. This can be attributed to the analog master and the age of the recordings but I have heard worse like disc 2 of the similar Mendelssohn package. Still, this is overall a worthwhile package to get for all Schubert fans. Recommended.

Great performances.......2005-03-28

This set is absolutely wonderful. Karl Bohm delivers a great performance for each and every symphony. The interpretations of these beautiful works are great, and this is a very enjoyable complete set. I did not find this set to be "a bit heavy at times," but just right. The sound quality is excellent. Highly recommended.

Beautiful, but a bit heavy at times.......2004-07-04

I agree with one of the reviewers here: sometimes Bohm's tempi are a bit slow, especially in the first movement of the 'Unfinished'. The sound of the strings is overall excellent but heavy for Schubert. Otherwise, the performances display a great vitality and impecable phrasing. Great value!

Average customer rating:

A perfect blend of music !
Beautiful
Beautiful Music
Very Pleased!
VERY VERY GOOD

Jane Austen Companion

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Pride and Prejudice: The Original Soundtrack from the A&E Special Presentation
Jane Austen's Songbook
English Country Dances
Emma: Music From The Miramax Motion Picture
Sense and Sensibility: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1995 Film)

ASIN: B0000037IK
Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

String Symphony No. 4: Andante
Symphony In F Major: Andante
Concerto In E Major For Trumpet, Oboe d'amore, Violin, Strings And Continuo: Affettuoso
Overture No. 5 In E Major: Andante
Violin Concerto In C Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: Larghetto
Cello Concerto In C Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: I Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In B Flat Major: II Moderato e dolce
Symphony No. 3 In C Major: Andante
Symphony No. 94 in G Major: Menuet & Trio
Symphony No. 5 In B Flat Major: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 2 In A Major: Vivace
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat Major: Andante
Symphony No.1 in D Major: Andante

Amazon.com

If the people at Nimbus are smart, they'll do a whole collection of discs on this theme. The literary-musical connection is, when done tastefully, as it is here, irresistible. As the intelligent and interesting notes maintain, "London at the time of Jane Austen was one of the most exciting centers in all of Europe for music," and this was an era of great fertility of composers in general. Lucky Jane! Imagine publishing your second novel the same year that Beethoven's Seventh Symphony receives its premiere. Or offering your fourth novel to the public near the time of the first performance of Schubert's Fifth Symphony. The program highlights popular music from Austen's time by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Fasch, J.C. Bach, Boyce, Schubert and others. I find the exclusion of chamber music a little odd here, though, since chamber music was the rage among the sort of gentlemen and women of the country about whom Austen wrote so well. --Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

A perfect blend of music ! .......2006-11-23

I decided to try this cd based on the good reviews it got and I'm certainly glad I did ! The music is just perfect for relaxing and filling the house with all the old classical masterpieces. A good buy that that's well worth the money!

Beautiful.......2006-11-20

The more I listen to this cd, the more I love it!! It is very beautiful.

Beautiful Music.......2006-10-02

A great price for such a beautiful CD.
This CD is a must have if you love Jane Austen.
Buy this CD, you will not be disappointed!

Very Pleased!.......2005-09-28

If you like slow beautiful music, this is for you.
Austen has a great taste for harmonic melodies.
I've listen to this CD over and over again.
I still enjoy the beautiful music!

VERY VERY GOOD.......2004-03-07

If you love classical music while reading, relaxing or having a bit of tea, you won't regret getting this album. I personally love it to bits, worth every penny!

Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Symphonies nos. 3, 5, & 6 / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Charming Performances
UNALLOYED PLEASURE
Beecham perfectly caught the spirit of early Schubert
Pass the crumpets
One of the great recordings of the stereo era: no doubt about it!

Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Symphonies nos. 3, 5, & 6 / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Sir Thomas Beecham Conducts Schubert
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EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer

ASIN: B00000IOC2
Release Date: 1999-05-04

Tracks:

I: Adagio Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio
II: Allegretto
III: Menuetto (Vivace) & Trio
IV: Presto Vivace
I: Allegro
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Menuetto (Allegro Molto) & Trio
IV: Allegro Vivace
I: Adagio - Allegro
II: Andante
III: Scherzo (Presto) & Trio
IV: Allegro Moderato

Amazon.com

Time has somewhat tarnished these once highly regarded recordings. EMI's early stereo engineering was hit and miss, and not even these new remasterings can fully tame the strident string tone and hollow-sounding tuttis. Yet the performances have many virtues, including rhythmic élan, well-chosen tempos, and winsomely characterized solo playing. Above all else is Beecham's flair for shaping and projecting melodies with a cute little accent here, a dynamic surge there, and enough felicitous turns of phrase to keep the listener smiling. It's true that other conductors have elicited leaner, tauter ensemble work from their musicians (Carlos Kleiber's Third with the Vienna Philharmonic, for instance, and Fritz Reiner's neatly regimented Fifth with the Chicago Symphony). However, if you desire this uplifting group of works on one well-filled disc (and who wouldn't?), Beecham has the field to himself. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Charming Performances .......2007-04-24

Beecham was always at his best where lyricism and light touch were needed.
In these works his ability to impart such qualitites to an entire orchestra is readily apparent. Schubert's music sparkles and dances under Beecham's leadership. I have several excellent modern versions, but these under Beecham remain my favorites, especially the performance of the 6th symphony.
Note: Mr. Distler, a reviewer frequently cited by Amazon, always seems to feel it necessary to bring in other performers by way of comparison. And he never writes a review without flip-floping, going back and forth. He's always writing "on the one hand" and then writing "then again, on the other hand...". In this review he starts out attacking the sound, then he compliments the conductor, then he knocks the conductor's hold on ensemble by praising two of music's most notorious martinets, then ends by saying it's a wonderful performance. Good grief. Just once I wish he would stick to the recording at hand, say yeah or nay, and be done with it.

UNALLOYED PLEASURE.......2007-03-14

Some recordings are just hors concours. It's not necessarily that they are the `best' version available - that's far too absolute and arrogant a judgement to pass. It's rather that there will never be anything quite like them again. Yes, they are superlative performances - by definition. But there's something more, something perhaps indefinable, but instantly recognisable. We will not see their like again - though we may see something else equally as impressive. The first Callas Tosca is probably one; Furtwangler's Tristan another. I'd include Beecham's Boheme and perhaps his Carmen, too. Toscanini's Otello, definitely; Giulini's Verdi Requiem and Britten's own War Requiem, yes; Solti's Ring possibly. And so on. Readers will have other additions of their own, no doubt. But chances are they will tend to be large-scale works.

Here's a very strong candidate for that honour roll which is on a smaller scale. These are perfect gems of performances of these early Schubert symphonies, all three. Beecham brings to bear all his renowned wit, subtlety, rhythmic élan and inimitable melodic phrasing to lift them way above their usual allotted position as minor works in the Schubert canon. I defy you to restrain a smile of unalloyed pleasure from spreading across your face as you listen to this disc as Sir Thomas exercises the magic to which, at times like this, one believes only he holds the key. These days there are many other estimable performances of these symphonies, many of them far more authentic, but not one of them is quite in Beecham's `class'.

A Great Recording of the Century? Most definitely.

Beecham perfectly caught the spirit of early Schubert.......2006-02-20

The special allure of these performances is that they keep a smile on the listener's face. Beecham was rough and ready technically, and the sonics are showing their age--though not badly at all in this excellent new remastering--yet none of that matters. Beecham elicits such naturalness and good humor in these performances, you realize that behind the simplicty Beecham has lived with Schubert for many years.

Go back to the Sym. #5 and 6 he recorded on 78s in 1938 and 1944 (they are available in terrific transfers on Dutton) and you'll hear the same elan, the same deft touch with melody. Beecham connoisseurs prefer those earlier versions for their extra dash of dramatic contrast, but these sunnier recordings in stereo are exemplary in their own right--they bring the kind of joy one never hears, alas, in even the best modern readings.

P.S.--Making the original LPs used up many recording dates, odd considering how spontaneous eveyrthing sounds. Sym. #3 and 5 come from several sessions in Paris and London across a year's span in 1958-59, while Sym. #6 took two separate London sessions in 1955.

Pass the crumpets.......2006-01-27

Sir Thomas was known for his ribald sense of humor, but all is decorum here. This could easily pass for 19th century salon playing of the proper, but tepid, order; except for a couple of moments in the 5th symphony, there's nothing to ruffle the doilies here. Beecham could do wonderful things (I think his 'Carmen' is still the best), but this isn't one of them. This is the kind of conducting that sends me running for Szell, Reiner, or Kubelik.

One of the great recordings of the stereo era: no doubt about it!.......2005-12-06

Sir Thomas Beecham's recordings of Schubert's Symphonies 3, 5, and 6 is one of the great recordings of the stereo era: no doubt about it! Recorded in the late 1950s with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in warm, glowing stereo sound, this has already earned a place and will go down in history as one of the great recordings, and should be in every Classical music lover's collection. Sir Thomas had the qualities which really match Schubert's soul: warmth, grace, wit, and a natural unfolding which is never eccentric or harsh. Beecham's Schubert is the best recording of these three works, along with Bohm/Berlin (DG), Barenboim/Berlin (CBS), and Walter/Columbia (Sony, Sym. 5 only).

Beecham also recorded Schubert Symphonies 1 and 2 with the Royal Philharmonic in mono, but very good sound in the early 1950s, now available on Sony UK. This should also be in every Schubert lover's collection, as these are superb performances with the same qualities as this EMI recording.

Schubert: Symphonies 5, 6, 8 & 9; Rosamunde Overture

Average customer rating:

Is it real?
Karajan marches on
Sterling 9th
Unconvincing big-band performances without charm
Karajan's Schubert Cycle Reissued for Cheap!

Schubert: Symphonies 5, 6, 8 & 9; Rosamunde Overture

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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Schubert: Symphonies 1-4; Rosamunde ballet music
Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 93-98
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Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

ASIN: B0002XV2YS
Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

Rosamunde Overture, D644
I. Allegro
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Menuetto E Trio: Allegro Molto
IV. Allegro Vivace
I. Adagio - Allegretto
II. Andante
III. Scherzo: Presto - Trio: Piu Lento
IV. Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

I. Allegro Moderato
II. Andante Con Moto
I. Andante - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Scherzo E Trio: Allegro Vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Is it real?.......2007-03-20

When I saw this CD here at Amazon and noticed such a low price the first thing that came to my mind is how "Such a superb Art", how "Such fine piece of Music ever" composed by one of the "Greatest Masters" ever has such a low price while you can see mediocre people buying things like madonna and beyonce paying more than twice this price by CD. I have all this works separately in imported vinyl but I'm going to buy this one in order of listening in my car during the path to work in the morning. I love the "Symphony number Five" but the best works here are the "Number Eight", "Unfinished Symphony" and the "Great Symphony Number Nine", talking about number eight unfinished symphony I prefer to the Sinopoli's interpretation conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra from Europe It is much more passionate, One intelligent man can't die without listening to this Masterpiece, why Franz Peter Schubert wrote only two perfect movements and stopped as if he had abondoned the symphony suddenly? I don't believe in this faith, I believe he finished this masterpiece but unfortunately the others two movements were lost forever, but these two that survived are perfect as we have known and listened to them for long time. About Symphony Number Nine this interpretation of genius Herbert Von Karajan is in my opinion "definitive" mainly in the first movement, it's incisive and coherent, and strong in a way that only Karajan could do with the help of the most important musical institution of the world "Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra". Great combination "Masterpiece plus best price possible". Perfect.

Karajan marches on.......2007-02-01

It is interesting to read the comments about Karajan. Those in the Beethoven section often loose sight that he did record stuff other than Beethoven's symphonies. Or they think he slighted the piano concertos when after all he did make several runs at those including mono recordings from the 50s. Or there will be comments about the sound he gets, too pure, too pretty. "I just can't like it, it sounds too good."

Karajan recorded just about everything from the Baroque Masters to Richard Strauss. He also headed up numerous music festivals and operas. To see what I mean, do a search either here or at Ebay on Karajan and opera. He was one busy productive dude. And he delighted millions both in live performances and all those vinyl gems he left us now bing ported over to cd.

I have these recordings that were issued on vinyl by Angel records in association with the book of the month club from way back when.

Karajan's recordings span from the 1930s to the late 1980s. Kinda like the Duke and all them westerns. He led the best orchestras in Europe (Vienna, Berlin, the Philharmonia to name three) and made records with them year end and year out for over 50 years. He also pushed the technology envelope and took advantage of digital when it first came out and video. Often the arguements about Karajan have to do with which version of such and such is best! "They all sound good, but I like his mono version with the Philharmonia best."

All this activity in conducting and recording over so many years paid major dividends. Like Bohm, I have seldom heard one of Karajan's lps and thought that he laid an egg! The reason why he is soooo popular is that he consistenly put out top notch work. You may find better individual performances but chances are you will not get an ear infection from listening to his recordings.

This inexpensive set is a good way to test the non Beethoven Karajan waters if you have not done so already. Or, you may give his great Schumann or Tchaikovsky Symphony recordings a try.

Sterling 9th.......2006-06-15

You know, maybe there is just something to a composers Symphony No. 9. Beethoven, Bruckner and Schubert all had amazing 9th Symphonies, but I digress. This CD is worth the money (which isn't very much) just to hear "The Great" C Major Symphony. I haven't found a better recording of it anywhere. Once again, Karajan turns out a gem.

Unconvincing big-band performances without charm.......2005-10-07

Amazon is being pdeantic to call the Schubert 8th, the Unfinished, his Sym. #7. All four symphonies here are great ones, and Karajan runs through them with a big orchestra and a good deal of impact. But one misses any easiness, charm, or melancholy, all qualities that belong to the real Schubert. This is more Karajan than Schubert, only worthwhile if you love the Berlin Phil's massive sound and want to hear every piece run through it.

I should say that the competing sets from Abbado with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (DG) and Colin Davis with the Dresden Staatskapelle (RCA) sound timid and dull respectively. I would hold out for the new Harnoncourt--his single performances have been excellent so far--or seek the many great performances that exist out there of each symphony.

Karajan's Schubert Cycle Reissued for Cheap!.......2005-03-14

EMI's new "Gemini" series is a breath of fresh air amidst all the smoke being put forth recently by the major classical labels. While Sony is deleting most of their classical budget discs, BMG is raising theirs to mid-price and UNI is convinced that 3CDs are always better than one, EMI decides to start a two-fer line that sells for significantly less than the competition, not to mention their own "Double Forte" series. It might not be as cheap as the old "Seraphim" series, but they could certainly be charging more for quality recordings such as these.

Herbert von Karajan's Schubert Symphony Cycle, made between 1975-78 for EMI with the Berlin Philharmonic, has been available previously on CD in the "Karajan Edition." However, those discs, released as four single titles with two Symphonies each, were twice the price of these new reissues. These performances of Symphonies 5, 6, 8 & 9 plus the Rosamunde Overture are certainly solid, but Karajan was never celebrated as a conductor of Schubert. One wonders if that is why DG had a young Lorin Maazel record the Schubert Symphonies with the Berliners instead of Herbie at the dawn of the stereo age, and that ultimately EMI had him record this Cycle because it was something he hadn't yet done for DG. In any event, I would certainly recommend the Bohm boxed set on DG or the Kertesz on London/Decca (see my review of the latter) ahead of these performances. But considering how cheap these two double discs are, maybe picking up an extra Schubert Cycle is worth it after all.

Average customer rating:

Feels like a "pig-pile" on the bottom-most review
Great
Great Italian Schubert!
a massive disappointment

Schubert: The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
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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ASIN: B00005MIZU
Release Date: 2005-07-13

Tracks:

Rosamunde: The Magic Harp: Ov, D.644
Incidental Music, D.797: No.2 Ballet Music I in b (Allegro Moderato -
Incidental Music, D.797: Andante Un Poco Assai)
Incidental Music, D.797: No.9: Ballet Music II in G (Andantino)
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: I. Adagio Maestoso - Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: II. Allegretto
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: III. Menuetto (Vivace) & Trio
Sym No.3 in D, D.200: IV. Presto Vivace
Sym No.8 in b, D.759 'Unfinished': I. Allegro Moderato
Sym No.8 in b, D.759 'Unfinished': II. Andante Con Moto

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: I. Largo - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: II. Andante - Vars I-V
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: III. Allegro Vivace - Trio
Sym No.2 in B flat, D.125: IV. Presto
Sym No.4 in c, D.417 'Tragic': I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.4 in c, D.417 'Tragic': II. Andante
Sym No.4 in c, D.417 'Tragic': III. Menuetto (Allegro Vivace) & Trio
Sym No.4 in c, D.417 'Tragic': IV. Allegro

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in D, D.82: I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: II. Andante
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: III. Menuetto (Allegretto) & Trio
Sym No.1 in D, D.82: IV. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: I. Allegro
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: III. Menuetto (Allegro Molto) & Trio
Sym No.5 in B flat, D.485: IV. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': I. Andante - Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace) & Trio
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': IV. Finale (Allegro Vivace)
Sym No.6 in C, D.589: I. Adagio - Allegro
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': II. Andante
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': III. Scherzo (Presto) & Trio (Piu Lento)
Sym No.9 in C, D.944 'The Great': IV. Allegro Moderato

Customer Reviews:

Feels like a "pig-pile" on the bottom-most review.......2006-08-26

Not too often I hear something on NPR that makes me pull over and listen hard but that happened a short while back with the recording of Symphony #2 in this set. Picked the entire box set up and wowser. These are fast, exciting, absolutely buoyant performances. The orchestra plays miraculously. Couldn't be happier and at this price!!

For those that don't know the earlier Schubert symphonies--well, for the cost of one top-dollar CD you can hear them and you'll be amazed these aren't heard more often. Boy Schubert (many of these were written in his teens) may not have been the world's greatest symphonic crafts-person back then (he was merely very good with rough edges) but his full melodic genius was present when he was probably two years old. Here I am playing, and REALLY enjoying a symphony by a sixteen-year-old.

Beethoven allegedly saw a score of Schubert's before he died (Beethoven, not Schubert)and was quoted as saying, "HOLY MACKEREL! This kid's got the chops!" Beethoven talked like that sometimes.

Great.......2006-04-10

Ricardo Mutti takes the Wiener Philharmoniker to the best performance of Schubert's Symphonies. They are the best.

Great Italian Schubert!.......2005-10-28

I certainly disagree with the last review. Maybe for some people Muti's Schubert is at the first glance not 'deep' enough. But I have never heard the symphonies in such a joyful manner, with fast tempi all the way. And the Wiener Philharmoniker here clearly show why they are regarded as one of the finest orchestras of the world: their performance is close to perfection. -- Highly recommended!

a massive disappointment.......2005-08-04

this box-set is reasonably cheap but even its low cost has not been a consolation for my disappointment. Given my tastes, this is "cold" Schubert. To me the worst experience has come with the "Unfinished" symphony. One of the most tragic statement in music history is transformed in a lifeless, boring, scholastic exercise.
Please give me back Furtwangler, Klemperer and Bruno Walter!!!

Average customer rating:

A Magnificent Set
Wonderful Performances
Learning to hear Schubert afresh
Definitive readings now, blueprints for the future
A perfect set!

Schubert: The Symphonies

Manufacturer: Teldec
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000000SK6
Release Date: 1993-10-05

Tracks:

Adagio. Allegro Vivace
Andante
Menuetto: Allegretto
Allegro Vivace
Adagio Molto/Allegro Vivace
Andante
Menuetto: Allegro vivace
Allegro

Tracks:

Largo. Allegro Vivace
Andante
Menuetto: Allegro Vivace
Presto Vivace
Adagio. Allegro
Andante
Presto. Piu lento
Allegro Moderato

Tracks:

Adagio Maestoso; Allegro con brio
Allegretto
Menuetto: Vivace; Trio
Presto vivace
Allegro
Andante con moto
Menuetto: Allegro Molto
Allegro vivace
Allegro Moderato
Andante Con Moto

Tracks:

Andante Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Andante Con Moto
Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Allegro Vivace

Amazon.com

Everything that Nikolaus Harnoncourt does is interesting, and sometimes inspired. Even at his weirdest, he usually has a reason for doing what he does, and fortunately there's no need at all to make excuses for his marvelous Schubert symphonies. Of course, he has the Concertgebouw at his beck and call, which adds no small dimension to the success of these performances, but for the most part it's all Harnoncourt's show. Fresh, exciting, provocative, you will never hear Schubert the same way again. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Magnificent Set .......2007-03-24

This set of the symphonies of Franz Schubert is arguably equal to the set of Claudio Abbado that won a Gramophone award. Like the Abbado set, Nicholas Harnoncourt has compared the published symphonies with the autograph scores and included several changes in these performances that are documented (at least in part) in the booklet. The numbering of the symphonies is based on the new Schubert Edition that leaves out the fragmentary Symphony No. 7.

The First Symphony, from 1813, blends together influence from Haydn (particularly in the Adagio beginning of the first movement) and Mozart, yet there also is the unmistakable voice of Schubert. The first movement is a pleasant Allegro that is well written for a teenager. The Andante has a fresh and beautiful melody followed by an energetic Minuetto and the Vivace finale picks up where the first movement left off, bringing the symphony to a sunny conclusion.

The Second Symphony begins with a brass introduction that reminds one of Beethoven that breaks into an energetic Vivace section which determines the character of the rest of the movement. The slow movement is a sweet and lyrical slow movement with a dance-like middle section and the Menuetto that follows is like a rustic country dance. The finale is boisterous in the manner of Beethoven with quieter passages for the winds and strings between.

The Third Symphony differs from its predecessor with a slow introduction punctuated by tympani before the lyrical main theme is played. The elegant slow movement, minuette and the energetic finale are beautifully played and certainly the equal of the famous recording by Carlos Kleiber.

The Fourth Symphony (called the Tragic) begins dark and stormy introduction which becomes an agitated interplay between the strings, winds and brass which gives way to a peaceful slow movement followed by a dance-like Menuetto. The finale returns to the storm clouds of the first movement but are more lyrical than dark which brings the symphony to a more joyous conclusion rather than a [...]-beating despair. The finale is somewhat like Beethoven in the use of the brass but the voice is still Schubert's.

The elegant Fifth Symphony is more Classical, harkening back to Mozart in form and with the lack of brass players. Here, it receives a vigorous performance with a bit more storm ton the music. The Sixth Symphony, rather unfairly called the "Little" C-major, begins with and introduction of bold brass and tymphani chords then introduces a rustic dance melody that sets the tone for the rest of the movement. The slow movement is peaceful and lyrical after the energetic first movement and is followed by a dance-like Scherzo that is reminiscent of earlier Menuetto movements. The finale has a stately, slower tempo (a little too slow considering the Allegro moderato marking) that is particularly well played by the Concertgebouw with each note nicely articulated.
Schubert's first six symphonies were written over a period of five years, with the so-called unfinished Seventh (formerly the Eighth) we enter a different world reflecting Schubert's belief that his youth was gone. The brooding music is beautifully performed by the Concertgebouw, beautifully phrased and played without any sentimentality. The Eighth Symphony (The Great formerly the Ninth) receives a magnificent reading.

The notes by Peter Hartling relate his personal feelings for Franz Schubert rather than provide information about the symphonies. Mr. Hartling sees the symphonies as a novel with each symphony as a chapter. While this essay is interesting I would also have liked some hard information like the dates of the symphonies, their performance and what Schubert may have thought of the work. Although I have individual recordings of Schubert's symphonies the Harnoncourt set will be the performances that I will turn to more often than the others.

Wonderful Performances.......2007-03-06

I concur with all previous reviews recommending this wonderful set. If you don't mind purchasing the download, itunes is offering it for a mere $19.99, with two bonus overtures thrown in to boot. How can you resist?

Learning to hear Schubert afresh.......2006-03-10

All the praise given below is justified--these are fresh, spontaneous readings with a great deal more nuance and inner life than we hear in the cycles by Colin Davis, Gunter Wand, and von Karajan. Like those, it's not a period approach, which is strange given Harnoncourt's advocacy of historical style. But he is idiosyncratic enough to give us retrograde Schubert--it's with a full modern orchestra playing with Romatic vibrato and lots of expression (Gott sei dank).

As much as I agree with the reviewers below, no one has pointed out that the big advance here has to do with our conception of Schubert as a naive songful genius with little talent for larger structures. Like Chopin, he has been viewed as a miniaturist. Harnoncourt doesn't accept the evolution of the symphonies that's usually portrayed, from the early hesitant gropings of youth to ful maturity only in the Unfinished and C major symphonies.

Listen to his account of Sym. #1 and what you hear is a confident symphonist whose style is firm and decisive, and whose aspiration is heroic. By playing this music on a Beethovenian scale, Harnoncourt makes it sound bigger and better than anyone ever guessed in the past. Suddenly we hear even the earliest output as vital and dramatic, thanks to Harnoncourt's ability to project those qualities. This is a landmark cycle, and I'm deeply grateful to have discovered it.

Definitive readings now, blueprints for the future.......2004-08-08

It is so rare that any one conductor is good in all the symphonies of one composer--I can only think of Toscanini with Beethoven (though not all of his best performances were from the official NBC set) and Mackerras with Mozart--that one is startled to find Nikolaus Harnoncourt, a very phlegmatic and stylistically uneven conductor, produce such a magnificent, monumental set. There is not one moment in any movement of any symphony where one does not hear something new and different, not from the urtext score but from what one is used to from more "standard" performances using Brahms', and others', reorchestrations of Schubert. I remember the late Klaud Tennstedt telling me in impassioned tones, for instance, of the very clearly marked diminuendo over the final chord of the great C Major symphony. Harnoncourt does this here, as well as using cut time rather than "standard" 4/4 for the opening of that symphony's first movement. And on and on it goes. I could write 1,000 words describing all of the piquant moments and surprising "changes" one hears in these urtext editions of the Schubert symphonies, but let me summarize by saying that once you hear this set you will have a hard time accepting anyone else's interpretations except perhaps Bohm in the 9th (a gorgeous performance, often overlooked by collectors) and Toscanini in the 5th (a landmark performance, the first in the last century to use the stripped-down orchestra Schubert wrote it for).

One small caveat. Because neither the "Gastein" symphony nor the "Grand Duo" rescored for orchestra are included as No. 7, the "Unfinished" is numbered No. 7 and the Great C Major No. 8. I really do wish that Harnoncourt had given us the Gastein No. 7 as discovered about 20 years ago. But that is a small complaint in a set so full of glories. This is where you start with Schubert now....and you may never go any further because you don't have to.

A perfect set!.......2004-02-25

Each performance is very well thought out. Instrumentation and detailing are very good, tempi are very well chosen. The gem of this box is the C major, Great Symphony. The First movement is amazing, you'll hear things you've never heard before. The fourth movement is absolutely amazing. And the inner movements, second and third, are very very good. The fourth symphony is very clean. The fifth symphony is light and youthful and energetic. The unfinished symphony is very dramatic, with lush strings and great brass.

Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9; Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

Average customer rating:

For a non-devotee, a pleasing collection
Toscanini conducts Schubert & Mendelssohn
Good, sometimes transcendant performances
Sparkling Schubert & Mendelssohn from Toscanini

Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9; Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000JPCF
Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In B-Flat Major, D.485: Allegro
Symphony No.5 In B-Flat Major, D.485: Andante Con Moto
Symphony No.5 In B-Flat Major, D.485: Menuetto: Allegro Molto - Trio
Symphony No.5 In B-Flat Major, D.485: Allegro Vivace
Symphony No.9 In C Major, D.944: The Great: Andante - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No.9 In C Major, D.944: The Great: Andante Con Moto
Symphony No.9 In C Major, D.944: The Great: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Symphony No.9 In C Major, D.944: The Great: Finale: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No.8 In B Minor, D.759: Unfinished: Allegro Moderato
Symphony No.8 In B Minor, D.759: Unfinished: Andante Con Moto
Symphony No.4 In A Major, Op.90: Italian: Allegro Vivace
Symphony No.4 In A Major, Op.90: Italian: Andante Con Moto
Symphony No.4 In A Major, Op.90: Italian: Con Moto Moderato
Symphony No.4 In A Major, Op.90: Italian: Saltarello: Presto
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107: Reformation: Andante: Allegro Con Fuoco
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107: Reformation: Allegro Vivace
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107: Reformation: Andante
Symphony No.5 In D Minor, Op.107: Reformation: Chorale: A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

Customer Reviews:

For a non-devotee, a pleasing collection.......2005-12-07

The newly remastered sound in the Toscanini "Immortal" series has brought me back into the fold, but not nearly to the breathless extent as true devotees. To a younger generation it's hard to grasp the absolute worship of Toscanini during his lifetime, yet it can't be denied. Here we have performances of 5 symphonies conducted briskly enough that they fit on two CDs. Does this imply that some of the music is too rushed? To my ears, yes. The first movement of the Schubert "Unfinished" and the two middle movements of the Schubert Ninth fairly fly by, and I hear no compensating reason why. Yet the Mendelssohn "Reformation," so often a dull duty to sit through, greatly benefits from Toscanini's kick in the pants.

The NBC Sym. wasn't a virtuoso ensemble, and nothing here sounds extraordinarily well played--one must acknowledge that razor-sharp precision was a Toscanini goal, however. It's heard to good effect in the "Reformation," hwich also has good sonics. The rest are never less than clearly recorded, without much glare or edginess.

My personal favorites here are the three Schubert symphonies, but particularly the Ninth, which Toscanini takes fairly broadly through the first movement, too fast in the middle movements, and thrillingly fast in the finale. The Fifth is buoyant, although it could use a dose more charm. The Unfinished is played for outright drama, a valid approach even if it takes a moment to adjust to Toscanini's speed up. The Mendelssohn "Italian" is pushed and faceless (Or was I getting fatigued by too many quick laps aorund the track?); it also suffers from wiry-sounding strings.

All in all, I'm not sure this level of music-making would be considered extraordinary if we didn't know befoehand that the Maestro was presiding, but even for a non-devotee this is a satisfying collection in the best sonics ever.

Toscanini conducts Schubert & Mendelssohn.......2003-12-02

There's no question that Toscanini brought out nuances in the music of Franz Schubert and Felix Mendelssohn that other conductors have missed. This compilation is a clear, definitive demonstration of Toscanini's mastery of this music.

One of the bonuses of these digitally-remastered versions of the historic RCA Victor recordings is a clarity seldom heard in the peformances before. Too often these recordings suffered from either shrillness or artificial stereo enhancements. BMG has gone back to the original sources, the magnetic tapes, and carefully mastered them for optimal sound.

The performances are consistently outstanding. Schubert's fifth symphony is a light, lyrical work that is absolutely delightful in Toscanini's hands. It uses a fairly small orchestra and was recorded in Carnegie Hall on March 17, 1953, when RCA was achieving great results with its single-microphone "New Orthophonic" process.

The eighth symphony was recorded in Studio 8-H on March 12 and June 2, 1950, the final year that the NBC Symphony Orchestra performed there. Without a studio audience present, the studio had remarkably good sound and the RCA engineers achieved wonderful results, as this recording demonstrates. The performance is absolutely awesome, particularly in the almost eerie second movement. Toscanini clearly shows that Schubert achieved much in the two movements he completed before abandoning the symphony during its third movement.

The performances of Schubert's ninth symphony by Toscanini were generally exceptional. I've long admired the November 16, 1941, recording with the Philadelphia Orchestra and the February 9, 1953, recording with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Toscanini maintains great intensity and excitement throughout the piece, clearly showing how Schubert was looking ahead to the development on romanticism.

Mendelssohn's fourth symphony, which the composer subtitled "Italian," is an absolute delight. It has seldom been played with such beauty, serenity, and dexterity as by the NBC Symphony in this February 1954 recording, one of the last great performances by the orchestra under Toscanini.

The fifth symphony, which celebrates the Reformation, is a work of great dignity and power. Toscanini skillfully grasped the drama of the music and builds the famous "A Mighty Fortress" chorale in an overwhelming manner. This Carnegie Hall recording from December 13, 1953, is one of Toscanini's best.

Good, sometimes transcendant performances.......2003-07-03

I have said several times elsewhere that these 24-bit remastered Toscanini CDs are among the best-sounding of all Toscanini reissues. I should also mention that, for the most part, the performances are also superb. This set is no exception. I am not totally convinced of his swift, taut reading of the "Unfinished" symphony's first movement, but the second movement has seldom been performed with such depth of feeling and delicate beauty. Likewise, his performance of the Mendelssohn "Italian" symphony seems to me a bit harsh in places, perhaps caused by the tenseness of the string players, but is overall a fine reading. On the other hand, Toscanini's vision of the Schubert 5th was decades ahead of its time, light and airy, much like the Fischer-Dieskau and Harnoncourt recordings.

The Schubert 9th here is NOT the later recording, but the 1948 performance, which is actually a shade better, closer in concept to the exciting Philadelphia Orchestra performance but without the tragically wrong-headed slowdown of the basses in the closing measures. In short, a slightly faster version than you may be used to, but quite valid in its own way. (Even the Austrians of the Vienna Philharmonic admitted that Toscanini's Schubert, though unconventional, was valid.)

The Mendelssohn 5th Symphony, "Reformation," is quite simply one of the old man's greatest performances of any music. He actually conducts this symphony a little SLOWER than most conductors today, building the chorale theme in the last movement with inexorable drama and power. You simply must hear it to believe it!

Sparkling Schubert & Mendelssohn from Toscanini.......2001-07-23

For those accustomed to the Viennese whipped-cream & chocolate approach to Schubert, Toscanini's interpretations will come as a shock. Toscanini saw Schubert's symphonic works as rooted in Classical structure and compositional technique, coupled with Schubert's extraordinary melodic gifts, rather as works pointing to Schumann and the later Romantics.

This 1953 version of Schubert's Fifth Symphony is the only one made by Toscanini, who performed publicly it for the first time shortly before the recording session. Always concerned with instrumental balance, Toscanini pared down the string section so as not to overpower the woodwinds. The result is a leaner Schubert Fifth than in most recordings, with fleet playing from the strings and better intonation from the woodwinds than one usually hears from the NBC Symphony.

Toscanini's 1950 recording of the ubiquitous "Unfinished" Symphony is more turbulent than most versions, with the battle between the minor and major tonalities of the first movement clearly being won by the sides of darkness. Where the first movement is turmoil interrupted by occasional lyricism, the second movement is just the opposite, and Toscanini's approach to the work underscores that point.

The Ninth was Toscanini's favorite of Schubert's symphonies, judging from the number of times he performed it. His three recordings of the piece (1941, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, 1947 with the NBC Symphony, and this version from 1953), differ in tempo, approach to transitions, and balance between orchestral sections. Yet Toscanini's vision of the work remains essentially the same: Structural and harmonic clarity are paramount. Whereas most conductors use the work as an excuse for random, and radical, tempo changes, Toscanini's plays the work in a relatively straight line. This is especially noteworthy in the coda of the first movement, where Toscanini sustains the main tempo until the end.

Unlike the Schubert, these performances of the Mendelssohn Symphonies derive from concert broadcasts and rehearsals recorded during Toscanini's final season as a conductor. For the most part, however, the playing is as polished as in the Schubert. (One notable exception is near the beginning of Mendelssohn's "Reformation" Symphony, where there are a few incidents of poor woodwind intonation.) The Mendelssohn Symphonies are approached in much the same way as the Schubert, more "Classic" than "Romantic" (of course, neither composer would have been concerned with such musicological terminology). Nevertheless, in terms of symphonic music, Toscanini's interpretive approach pointed to the high Classical era of Mozart and Early Beethoven.

A note about the sound: Until recently, few conductors have been as poorly served by recording technology than was Arturo Toscanini. The first LP issues of his work, which even then sounded sub-par, were made worse in the mid-1960s with the introduction of fake-stereo reissues. The first CD issues in the mid-1980s were little better, with excess reverb and audible edits. The mammoth complete Toscanini reissue of the early 1990s treated the recordings with the respect they deserved, but the sound was still limited. As for this RE-reissue, the sonics are dramatically superior to all earlier issues. Utilizing the best technology now available, RCA has done the right thing by hiring a musician--conductor Ed Houser--rather than whiz-bang technicians to supervise the remastering. The NBC Symphony Orchestra now sounds better than ever before, with greater clarity, smoother strings, fuller winds, and less distortion during fortissimos. Even this version of Schubert's "Unfinished," which was recorded in NBC's cramped Studio 8-H, has a fullness and body, if not actual warmth, that has not been heard previously from this source.

Tracks:

Lost Without You - Allen & Allen
I Will Always Love You - Spectrum
Speak to My Heart - Hubert Powell
Hello - Spectrum
Devotion - Allen & Allen
You Mean the World to Me - Spectrum
Get Here - Buzz Worrell,
Love Is - Spectrum
When I Fall in Love - Evening Star Orchestra
With My Whole Heart - Hubert Powell

Tracks:

Air for the "G" String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
On Wings of Song - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Arioso
Prelude in C Major
Largo [From Xerxes] - London Festival Orchestra
Schubert's Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle
Bridal March (Here Comes the Bride) [from "Lohengrin" (Here Comes]
Pachelbel's Canon in D Major - Collegium Aureum
Trumpet Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
Trumpet Tune in C Major - Carlo Curley
O Perfect Love - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Lord's Prayer - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Wedding March [from "A Midsummer Night's Dream] - London Festival Orchestra
Finale: Ode to Joy [from Symphony No. 9 "Choral"] - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Rondeau [Masterpiece Theatre Theme]
Handel's Alla Hornpipe [from "Water Music" Suite] - London Festival Orchestra