Complete Schubert Symphonies on Period Instruments

[Lilas Pastia]

There are a few loaded catchwords that can mean everything - and nothing. Like 'consistent'. Or 'idiomatic'. They can cover a whole program. They're best used when the meaning is understood by all who hear/read them.

[M forever]

What does "consistent" mean to you in this context?

[rubio]

Well, neither Blomstedt or Sawallisch are available in a box set, so if I should try some of them I preferably would sample one CD. For Sawallisch there are only two CD's, but Blomstedt is divided over 4 discs (the 6th being split with a Dvorak 8 - a performance I haven't read anything about). I was primarily a bit interested in the Blomstedt as it's not available on a major label, and probably can be OOP in the near future (the CD with 3/4 was already OOP on Amazon). I have understood both Sawallisch set and Blomstedt set has terrific woodwind playing, and I maybe would like to sample one CD to experience this (but perferably not the whole set to begin with). I would however guess that the Blomstedt CD with 5, 8 and 9 would be the one to go for.
Then my question was how the approaches of Sawallisch and Blomstedt differ. I have the understanding from what I have read that Sawallisch is a bit faster, but that's about it.

I haven't had the chance to listen to the Davis yet, but will do.

[SonicMan46]

Back TTT after a nearly 5-year hiatus! 

I'm sure that many of us have been acquiring, adding, and/or culling our Schubert collections over this half decade of time, so might be worth updating impressions on older or newer releases of these works w/ 'HIP' in mind since we also have a symphony thread on FS.

For me, a recent acquisition (pic below) is w/ Anima Eterna Brugge – Jos van Immerseel - this 4-CD set was re-released in October of this year on the Zig Zag label, although the recordings date to the mid-1990s; brief description quoted below.  The booklet w/ notes by Immerseel thoroughly discusses the issues and their resolution in the description quoted (just over 20 pages in the English translation) - tried to find these notes online but no luck.

I've now listen to this set twice and pretty much agree w/ Que's post on the second page, I believe - probably my favorite aspect of these performances is the use of a smaller orchestra (although the number of players varies) which allow the woodwinds to really 'shine' through and match the strings - SO, any comments on this 'new' release or others that may interest our Schutertians? 

In the course of the 1996-97 season, Anima Eterna played and recorded Schubert's complete symphonies in the particularly innovative interpretation of their conductor, Jos van Immerseel. This interpretation, based on the study of Schubert's manuscripts and on the instruments used at the time of their first performance, allows us to discover sound colours that combine freshness and profundity.

[Manos]

The Blomstedt recordings are currently available in a box:



I discovered the sixth symphony in the recording from this set, and have not since found another that I prefer.

[The new erato]

I've now listen to this set twice and pretty much agree w/ Que's post on the second page, I believe - probably my favorite aspect of these performances is the use of a smaller orchestra (although the number of players varies) which allow the woodwinds to really 'shine' through and match the strings - SO, any comments on this 'new' release or others that may interest our Schutertians? 

I do agree that the transparency of a smaller orchestra benefits these works, yet, after a single playing of three of the discs, these performances doesn't convince me to the same degree as their Beethoven, which bowled me completely over. Why, I don't know. Perhaps because the sound quality doesn't seem to be as extraordinarily transparent as the Beethoven, but bear in mind I haven't done any direct comparisons. I may also simply be because these works aren't as strong as Beethoven's.

[Geo Dude]

For those interested, Minkowski put together a set:

[asin]B008GAXUSK[/asin]

[mszczuj]

For those interested, Minkowski put together a set:

[asin]B008GAXUSK[/asin]

The great disappointment for me.

[Parsifal]

I'm waiting for them to re-release Bruggens.  In fact, I'm waiting for them to re-release everything Bruggens recorded, since almost all of it is out of print.

[Geo Dude]

The great disappointment for me.

Could you elaborate on that?  I haven't heard it yet and would like some info.

[Sergeant Rock]

Could you elaborate on that?  I haven't heard it yet and would like some info.

I haven't heard it but here's a little of what the Hurwitzer had to say in his Insider 3/7 review:

"Consider the opening of Schubert's Fifth, that model of post-Mozartian grace. Has the opening ever been phrased more soullessly? Have the strings ever sounded more anemic?.....Sure, there are some good moments: bits of the scherzos that demand hard accents, or the quick finales where the music flies along at a steady, rapid tempo and require little in the way of direction from the podium. But the performances are essentially expressionless.

This is particularly evident in the "Unfinished" and "Great" symphonies. The former lacks any trace of angst or mystery in the first movement, while the latter chugs along mechanically, and intolerably, with the strings sounding especially desiccated.This is, in sum, a worthless release that doesn't approach reference cycles as diverse as those by Wand, Harnoncourt, or Blomstedt."


Sarge

[Geo Dude]

So, in other words it is a great recording.

[Sergeant Rock]

So, in other words it is a great recording.

Sarge

[Geo Dude]

Don't get me wrong Sarge, I'm sure there are legitimate critiques of the recording to be made and that's why I asked mszczuj for his thoughts.  I just don't trust a reviewer who thinks that period instruments tremble at the mention of his name to give anything close to an objective viewpoint of the problems with this cycle.

[mszczuj]

I really love Minkowski, his Mozart symphonies are for me almost as good as those of Jacobs, and I was absolutlely fond of his Haydn London symphonies (except the one famous movement). I really hate Hurwitz opaque intelligence. But he found the perfect word for this set. Soulless. Alas.

[Geo Dude]

Thanks mszczuj; Hurwitz thinks everything recorded on period instruments is soulless, or so it seems, so I wasn't trusting of his review.  I'll make my next set of Schubert symphonies the Immerseel first, just in case.

[kishnevi]

If you're in no hurry,  the Minkowski is sitting in my "To be listened to" pile, but there's enough other stuff crying out for attention that I may not get to it for a bit.
(Or if you really are in a hurry, say so and I'll let it push to the head of the line.)

[dimmer]

I have heard many Schubert cycles, and the Minkowski rates up there with the best of them. Its the best I have heard since Abbado with the COE, and easily the best on period instruments.

The earlier symphonies are lithe and classically proportioned, yet with plenty of backbone when needed. The last 2 symphonies receive readings that outdo any other I have heard on period instruments, and while not getting to the most exalted level, certainly are enjoyably immediate, and imbued with enough "romantic" feel to make them anything but soulless. If anything the Unfinished overreaches a little - it is a bit too fierce for my tastes.

I would rate this set an easy 4.5 stars.

[Geo Dude]

If you're in no hurry,  the Minkowski is sitting in my "To be listened to" pile, but there's enough other stuff crying out for attention that I may not get to it for a bit.
(Or if you really are in a hurry, say so and I'll let it push to the head of the line.)

I'm not in a big hurry but I would definitely appreciate your thoughts when you do get around to it.

[betterthanfine]

Another positive voice weighing in. What I've heard of the Minkowski cycle so far sounded very pleasing to my ears. Engaging, thoughtful performances. 'Soulless' is the last word I would use to describe them.