COMPOSERS: Schubert
LABELS: EMI Studio Plus
WORKS: Symphony No. 8; Symphony No. 9
PERFORMER: Berlin PO/Herbert von Karajan
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 7 64628 2 ADD (1975/78)
These performances originally appeared in Karajan’s complete Schubert cycle, recorded in the late Seventies. The Unfinished, though perhaps not as appealing as in Karajan’s 1966 DG recording, still retains all of its freshness: its ethereal quality is most compelling. The C major symphony is less successful. Despite superb playing from the Berlin Philharmonic, the overall effect emphasises the Beethovenian impudence of this music rather than its Schubertian lyricism. Excellent sound. Nicholas Rast
Schubert: Symphony No. 8; Symphony No. 9
These performances originally appeared in Karajan’s complete Schubert cycle, recorded in the late Seventies. The Unfinished, though perhaps not as appealing as in Karajan’s 1966 DG recording, still retains all of its freshness: its ethereal quality is most compelling. The C major symphony is less successful. Despite superb playing from the Berlin Philharmonic, the overall effect emphasises the Beethovenian impudence of this music rather than its Schubertian lyricism. Excellent sound. Nicholas Rast
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm