Schubert: Symphonies 8 & 9 / Krips

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Joseph Krips was one of those pleasant Viennese conductors whose sympathy and affection for the so-called First Viennese School (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert) was evident in just about every performance he gave of their music. He had the bad luck of being a good but not great conductor in an era that suffered from no shortage of podium talent. Nevertheless, there are moments when the good can rise to the great, and this Schubert Ninth is one of them. At the time it was recorded, at the beginning of the '60s, the London Symphony Orchestra was rebuilding its reputation, and they play this symphony as though they really have something to prove. Toss in a thoroughly idiomatic Unfinished, and the result is a Schubert disc to treasure. --David Hurwitz

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!

Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"

Average customer rating:

Schubert 8 and 9th Symphonies - Bernstein, N.Y. Phil.
Outstanding Schubert!...
Magnificent! Who would have thought?
Marvelous!
The Great Indeed

Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

$7.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

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

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Bernstein Century - Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique, etc.
Schumann: The 4 Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

ASIN: B00003WGO4
Release Date: 2000-01-11

Customer Reviews:

Schubert 8 and 9th Symphonies - Bernstein, N.Y. Phil........2007-07-14

Bernstein and the Philharmonic play the 8th in full-blown Romantic pitch. An excellent choice. The Great
C-Major, however, is the jewel in this recording. I probably have more records of Bernstein leading the Philharmonic in my collection than any other interpreters of classical music. Many I like, and others I don't much care for. To me, the C-Major is the best Bernstein I've heard him conduct. I always cherished the old Furtwangler and Toscanni recordings, but Bernstein's hard driving approach and excellent EMI sound quality make this performance not only a bargain but at the top of anyone's list looking for the ultimate in Schubert performance.

Hal Denton, Cookeville, TN

Outstanding Schubert!..........2007-03-12

.
Usually I prefer Bohm and the BPO with Schubert: they bring a Brucknerian reading.

But I've just gotta say that Lenny and the NYP really had some chemistry going on with the realization of Schubert's two great symphonies: one might say they bring a Mahlerian reading to the scores.

Really good.
.

Magnificent! Who would have thought?.......2005-09-18

Even though critics never mention them, these readings of the Schubert 'Unfinished' and Sym. #9 could be anybody's first choice. I own a hundred Bernstein CDs and yet had passed this one over, thinking that the performances would be romantically exaggerated and out of style. In fact they are wonderful: propulsive, lyrical, and really focused on the musicality of Schubert. Good, clear recordings in the big NY Phil. style of those days, and except for a punchy ending to the first movement of the Ninth, I was carried along by the buoyancy and joy of Bernstein's approach in every bar.

Marvelous! .......2005-08-15

When I first heard (and learnt) of Schubert's symphonies,
that the man who had composed many of the best ensemble
pieces of all time had also composed as many symphonies as
Beethoven, I thought I should stick to his ensemble pieces
and not venture into his orchestra work, thinking that the
understatement and subtlety of his small ensemble composition
would not translate well for large ones. But when I first
listened to the first movement of his 8th, I knew the guy had
mastered the symphony also. His style is reminiscent of
(not surprisingly) Beethoven, mixing the Romantic with the
Classical.

Bernstein's interpretation is nothing but masterful, but in the first movement of the 8th, I would have liked it more if he had quickened the tempo/pace of the piece. The NY Phil. performs admirably under his baton.

The Great Indeed.......2000-10-25

This cd is absolutely necessary for anyone who wants a well-rounded cd collection. It is an impeccable recording (as are most Bernstein Century recordings) of two excellent pieces. The low strings have a unity that is entirely impressive, and the brass simply adds a flavor to the music that enthralls the listener. I obviously give this recording the highest recommendation.

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

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney

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.

Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ

Average customer rating:

Soul Stirring, Deeply Moving Music
Good Wedding Music
Ceremonoal marches for trumpet and symphonic organ
A ceremony in sound
inspiring

Ceremonial Music for Trumpet & Symphonic Organ

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Toccatas | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Deum | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Music for Organ, Brass & Percussion
Baroque Music for Brass and Organ
An Organ Blaster Sampler
Organ Spectacular
Great Toccatas

ASIN: B000003CZG
Release Date: 1993-04-27

Tracks:

Te Deum
March & Gigue
Trumpet Tune In D Major
Rondeau
Sicilienne
La Rejouissance
Fantasia On Greensleeves
Ave Maria
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Sheep May Safely Graze
If Love's A Sweet Passion
Ave Maria
Trumpet Tune In D Major
Rigadon & Passapied
Toccata
The Prayer Of St Gregory
Wedding March

Customer Reviews:

Soul Stirring, Deeply Moving Music.......2007-07-20

I come to this review with great heart-felt enthusiasm to nudge you a little to purchase this Stirring Album to feed your inner soul that is hungering for deeply moving music for trumpet and organ.

I purchased this album years ago, now, but do, in truth, come back to it very often for the soul stirring that only the trumpet can give you. While I (and probably many) normally do not think about the trumpet (or brass at all, for that matter) very much, it is, truly, lovely, filling sound that stirs one like no other type of instrument(s).

Soundwise, there is NO DOUBT that this fabulous disc is DEMONSTRATION-Quality...put it on your system and turn it up, and you will certainly agree with me on this point. And the acoustic is simply stunning...you'll see!

While this entire album is just superb, I want to be sure to point two things out to you.

The first is the Mouret "1st Suite in D" excerpt, more commonly known to most as the "theme" from Masterpiece Theater. Here, with this acoustic, simply stunning!

The second is the Deeply Moving Alan Hohvaness piece "The Prayer of St. Gregory". I defy one to find a more deeply reflective, moving, piece of music--anywhere. Simply touching, clear to the depths of your soul. Trust me.

A short story for those who may appreciate it. When I lived in Washington DC, I regularly went to the Sunday afternoon organ concerts at the National Cathedral. Of course, for those who know, you sit surrounded by the pipes (if you choose). In late summer of 2005 I was at one of these concerts, and to my delight, "Prayer of St. Gregory" was on the program. This has long been a very much-loved piece to me. Well, the trumpet soloist was located way up to the entrance, between the last pews. As the trumpet made its entrance in the piece, the sun hit the right position to strike the rose window, and it splayed its multi-colored bits all over the inside of the cathedral, increasing temporarily with the rising of the trumpet. I was moved to trembling with this, and after the concert, I spoke to a couple who had sat near me, and they said the same thing, in fact the lady said she had started to cry. When these things happen like this, does it not reaffirm our belief that there is, indeed, some higher being, who presents such great stirring beauty to us?

Do get yourself a copy of this stunning album, you will never regret it, I swear to you. ~operabruin

Good Wedding Music.......2007-01-02

I was looking for ideas for music for my wedding last year and found this cd to be really helpful. If your looking for ideas and inspiration for marches and other tunes associated with wedding ceremonies look no further.

Ceremonoal marches for trumpet and symphonic organ.......2006-11-05

It is an excellent recording especially the 12 marches by Telemann.

A ceremony in sound.......2005-10-18

This is a beautifully performed CD of ceremonial music of the Christian tradition. While organist Michael Murray talks about the diversity of kinds of ceremonial music in the liner notes essay, the musical selection here is drawn from the Western Christian tradition with few exceptions.

Sometimes the music did not start out as ceremonial in nature - Murray points out that the 'Incidental Music for A Midsummer Night's Dream' is now considered traditional wedding-march music, whereas at one time it considered completely inappropriate.

Music is drawn from the past four hundred years - works of well-known composers such as Purcell, Handel, Schubert, Mendelssohn and Bach are collected here, together with lesser-known composers such as Paradis, Mouret, Charpentier, Clarke and Martini, famous and respected in their day, but less known as personalities now (although their music will undoubtedly sound very familiar to the listener with any exposure to Western music). The CD also includes a few pieces from modern composers such as the French Charles Gounod, the British Ralph Vaughan Williams, and the American Alan Hovhaness.

Organist Michael Murray and trumpeter Rolf Smedvig make a dynamic duo in this celebratory music. Murray plays the symphonic organ from the First United Methodist Church of Cleveland (I've been in that church for a concert, and it is grand indeed). Smedvig is a Grammy nominee for his work with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, serving on the faculty of Boston University and Tanglewood. Murray has had a worldwide career of recitals, being a frequent guest of orchestras, and often sought to inaugurate grand organs upon their installation.

This is a grand disc, a ceremony in sound, and a wonderful piece to have in one's collection.

inspiring.......2000-06-21

This disc contains a nice selection of music appropriate for weddings and other liturgical occasions. Smedvig and Murray achieve a fine balance with a rich, full sound that is clear and warm, never harsh. Smedvig's trumpet playing demonstrates a wide range of timbres and styles: bright and energetic in the Mouret "Rondeau," glorious and majestic in Clarke's "Trumpet Voluntary," expressive and lyrical in the Bach-Gounod "Ave Maria," subdued and reverent in Hovhaness's "Prayer to St. Gregory." (He also has astounding breath control and trills that are to die for.) The only less-than-successful cut, I think, is the Mendelssohn "Wedding March," played at a plodding tempo, with the trumpet in such a low range that its brightness is muffled. Overall the disc is awe-inspiring and uplifting; I learn something every time I listen to it!

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Schubert performances
A lovely recording if sound is enough
Exuberant Schubert from Munch & the Bostonians...
Good Schubert in Great Sound

Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (RMST)
Schubert , Bso , and Munch
Manufacturer: RCA
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:

Double Concertos (RMST)
Spain (RMST)
Don Quixote/Don Juan (RMST)
Popular Classics for Spanish Guitar (RMST)
Traviata (RMST) [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000KP7LY8
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Tracks:

Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Allegro moderato (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Andante con moto (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"),; Andante; Allegro ma non troppo (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"),; Andante con moto (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"),; Scherzo: Allegro vivace (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"),; Finale: Allegro vivace (Redbook Stereo)
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Allegro moderato (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Andante con moto (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Andante; Allegro ma non troppo (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Andante con moto (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Scherzo: Allegro vivace (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Finale: Allegro vivace (2006 SACD Remastered)
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Allegro moderato (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D.759 ("Unfinished"); Andante con moto (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Andante; Allegro ma non troppo (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Andante con moto (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Scherzo: Allegro vivace (5.1 Surround Mix)
Symphony No. 9 in C, D.944 ("The Great"); Finale: Allegro vivace (5.1 Surround Mix)

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Schubert performances.......2007-03-01

This recording incarnates one of the two most famous Charles Munch and Boston Symphony Orchestra collaborations that we have in record history: Schubert's "Unfinished" and "Great". As is the case with the other recording - Saint-Saëns' third symphony, "Organ" - the present recording has preserved one of those rare moments of music making when power, passion and structure are in perfect balance.

Munch's interpretations are swift, but not too fast. Szell's interpretation of the "Unfinished" is for instance faster than Munch's. And if we consider timings for the "Great", Furtwängler's is here among the slowest ones on disc (but what a great recording this is!) while Munch is much faster. But he's not as fast as Szell in the two last movements. These timings tell us very little about the outstanding quality of all these great recordings, however. I urge Schubert fans to have them all.

But Munch's moving, powerful, and hauntingly beautiful interpretations are second to none, and the performance of Boston Symphony Orchestra has few rivals here. Sound is first rate as well. As a legendary, classic recording it has a given place in every collection. Warmly recommended.

A lovely recording if sound is enough.......2007-02-16

RCA has kept a good many of Munch's sloppier and more careless readings well out of sight, but the prospect of winning over listeners to Golden Age sonics has proved too much. Here in hybrid SACD we get some marvelous sounds, yet that won't disguise that Munch is totally indifferent to the Schubert 'Unfinished,' giving it a cursory run-through that doesn't exactly pull the best out of the BSO players, either. You'd never guess that this was a masterpiece.

Getting through the "Great" C Major symphony in 45 min. is quite a trick, and Munch doesn't achieve it simply by skipping repeats; he rushes the tempo in every movement and seems intent on giving us a brusque, charmless reading no matter what the cost. The playing is a painful reminder of how Munch turned America's most elegant orchestra into a scrambling, often coarse ensemble. There are great Munch recordings, of course, but these two aren't among them.

Exuberant Schubert from Munch & the Bostonians..........2007-02-11

Many years ago, before the era of the Compact Disc, I uncovered a monaural LP of Schubert's "Great" C major Symphony in my grandmother's basement, featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Charles Munch. Playing it, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant and exuberant performance of a work I was only beginning to know.

Little did I know back then that the recording had actually been part of RCA's legendary Living Stereo series, and would be reissued many years later in superb three channel sound.

Munch's conception of the C major Symphony is similar to Toscanini's 1953 recording: the first movement is played with little tempo fluctuation; the second movement is an Andante rather than a quasi-Adagio; the final movements are rollicking. In addition, repeats are not observed. But numerous details are different, including forward winds and brass, and less prominent strings. Munch gets a mellow tone from his orchestra, until he lets the brass blast forth at climaxes. In short, this is the polar opposite of the Gemutlikeit style favored in many performances.

The "Unfinished" is given a more relaxed, darker performance. When the major theme appears in the first movement, it's an optimistic interlude rather than the focus. The tranquil second movement features especially fine woodwind playing. This symphony is recorded in 2-channel stereo.

Sony/BMG's reissue features the original cover art and liner notes. The refurbished sonics are nearly, but not quite, at the level of the latest digital recordings. Highly recommended.

Good Schubert in Great Sound.......2007-02-10

Charles Munch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra gave us many of the all-time great recordings in the French fare. Their classic performances of Saint-Saens Organ Symphony, Berlioz's Symhponie Fantastique, Debussy's La Mer and Franck's Symphony still set the standard, for many people, more than fifty years later. However, when it came to the German Romantics, Munch and the Bostonians often left much to be desired. The spirit and spontaneity that made the French works so great didn't generally translate as well with Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Schubert. All three recent "Living Stereo" SACD Hybrid reissues -- Beethoven Syms 5 & 6, Mendelssohn 4 & 5, and this one featuring Schubert's Unfinished and Great -- all have remarkably better sound than their RCA "Basic 100" series predecessors, but that is not enough for me to recommend them unequivocally. Unfortunately, other great golden age stereo recordings of Schubert's 8th & 9th are currently out-of-print, and hopefully are awaiting a similar remastering. So until the Szell gets repackaged into Sony's "Great Performances" series and the Krips into Decca/UNI's expanded "Originals" series, the Munch may have to do. Of course, Leonard Bernstein is also excellent in this material, and if you can stand mono, Furtwangler's recording of the 9th is unparalleled.

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

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

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!

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
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!

Schubert: Symphonies 3 & 8 / Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker

Average customer rating:

Tough, sinewy Schubert played relentlessly
5 stars, but this is for Carlos Kleiber's fans: more about Kleiber than Schubert
As usual, Kleiber does not disappoint.
Another Kleiber recording for the ages
Intelligence and sensibility

Schubert: Symphonies 3 & 8 / Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

$9.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Johannes Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 - Carlos Kleiber / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Dvorak: Piano Concerto; Schubert: 'Wanderer' Fantasy / Richter, Kleiber
Tchaikovsky: Symphony 6 "Pathétique" in B minor Op. 74
Bach: Brandenburg Concertos / Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

ASIN: B000001GXE
Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In D Major: 1. Adagio maestoso - Allegro con brio
Symphony No.3 In D Major: 2. Allegretto
Symphony No.3 In D Major: 3. Menuetto. Vivace
Symphony No.3 In D Major: 4. Presto vivace
Symphony No.8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': 1. Allegro moderato
Symphony No.8 In B Minor 'Unfinished': 2. Andante con moto

Amazon.com

Carlos Kleiber's recordings are rare events, almost invariably worth the wait. This performance of the Unfinished is typical: direct, unfussy, superbly played, and unflaggingly intense. It certainly doesn't hurt to have the Vienna Philharmonic as an eager participant in the process, contributing their customary warmth and inbred sense of style. The delightful Third Symphony gets taken out for a charming workout, with the second movement zipping along at a controversially fast speed. At midprice, this reissue offers excellent value, and it's particularly nice to have the Unfinished featured as the major work. As Kleiber shows, it deserves the attention. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Tough, sinewy Schubert played relentlessly.......2007-02-16

I've put the key words in the headline: this is tough-guy Schubert played relentlessly. The great Carlos Kleiber apes Toscanini here, giving us a reading of undeniable quality while making the journey so rough that it's hard to say whether it was enjoyable. Certain movements, like the seond in Sym. #3, are rushed to the point of eccentricity, yet the playing from the Vienna Phil. is never less than perfect. As with Toscanini, a listener may be won over by the performance's intensity while knowing that this isn't how Schubert should go. It's fashionable to view this most lovable of composers as moody, dark, and death-haunted, so Kleiber may be trying to make that point here. The same relentless quality applies to the "Unfinished" as well; the brass outbursts in the first movement are especially brutal.

Normally I would give this CD 3 stars for being so hard to listen to, but Kleiber always deserves respect, even when he's wrong-headed.

5 stars, but this is for Carlos Kleiber's fans: more about Kleiber than Schubert.......2005-12-17

I gave Carlos Kleiber's 1978 recording of Schubert's "Unfinished" and 3rd (D Major) Symphonies 5 stars, but this is definitely for Kleiber's fans: and more about Kleiber than Schubert. Carlos Kleiber has become a cult figure with almost pop star following among music lovers the world over, largely because of his very small discography and frequent cancellations of live performances the last 20 years of his life. There is a certain mystery about Kleiber, and more is pondered about what he DIDN'T DO, as what he DID, both in recordings and live performances.

Carlos Kleiber (1930-2004) recorded these Schubert Symphonies 3 and 8 with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1978 for DG. The recorded sound is excellent, and the Vienna musicians play like angels. But be warned: in Symphony 3, the allegros are really FAST, and sound rather hasty after awhile. The Allegro section of I and IV sounds almost brutal, and as though Kleiber wanted to get through it as fast as possible. II is also the quickest I have ever heard, and is over with in just over 2 minutes. III, the Minuet, is also very fast: not for those who like Beecham and Bohm, with a slower, more stately minuet.

Symphony 8 is more in the mainstream, but lacks the intensity of Bruno Walter (Sony), Solti/Vienna (Decca), Bohm/Berlin (DG) or Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG). Even though there is nothing wrong with Kleiber's interpretation, somehow this seems lacking compared with the above greater recordings.

So, if you are a Carlos Kleiber fan and want all his recordings (and there aren't alot of them) this is for you. If you are more interested in the best recordings of Schubert, go for Bohm/Berlin (DG), Beecham/Royal Philharmonic (EMI), Halasz/Failoni Orchestra (Naxos) for Symphony 3; or Walter/New York (Sony) or Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG) for Symphony 8.

As usual, Kleiber does not disappoint........2005-09-24

This is the most energetic interpretation of these works I have heard. I can't say I was ever a huge fan of Schubert's 3rd symphony, but Kleiber gives the entire work a new life.
But you aren't buying this disc for the 3rd. You are buying it for die Unvolledete-Sinfonie, and he does not disappoint, as he gives the entire piece an electric charge from start to finish.
Kleiber's recordings tend to be legendary (see Brahm's 4th, Beethoven's 5th and 7th), and this is no exception. It's worth the $10.00.

Another Kleiber recording for the ages.......2005-04-22

In the liner notes for his magnificent Schubert album on the Austrian Lotus Records label Alfons Kontarsky reminisces how one of his uncles once mourned the fact that the great composer's 8th Symphony remained unfinished as he "died with the quill in his hand". While Alfons humorously debunks this myth, it remains striking how Schubert's untimely passing has given generations the license to hear the voice of an pending death in such works as the late piano sonatas, the string quintet, the Winterreise, and the eight symphony. Yet, one often forgets that all of these works are the works of a young guy, who according to eye witness accounts could by no means be considered to be an over-sentimental whiner.

Growing up with the classics Cantelli recording of the "Unfinished" and getting the excellent Sinopoli version in the early digital days, these Kleiber recordings stayed under the radar for a long time. Although I had encountered critiques like the one from a frustrated Maestro below (No rooms available in Tuscany!), who claims that Kleiber is wrong since he himself directs this work differently, a couple of professional critics' "definitive performance" label fortunately swayed me.

While the young, dynamic and vigorous 3rd gets a top notch performance I will focus here on the 8th. Helped by a well recorded Vienna Philharmonic playing on the edge of its seat Kleiber, indeed, delivers again at his non-plus-ultra level. Debunking the whole mausoleum/requiem atmosphere it is striking what kind of work emerges after stripping away the bad habits of tradition. While the work is normally interpreted as pre-Bruckner, Kleiber shows like no other how much CPE Bach's Sturm und Drang pervades this work. In addition, and in a way that is similar to the Kontarsky brothers' monumental recording of Schubert's f-minor Fantasy, Kleiber makes no attempt to smooth over the "rough" edges of Schubert at times abrupt thematic transitions. Add to that Kleiber's tell tale photographic precision and a classical pulse and you get, what I consider, the unfinished symphony for the ages. While I can understand that Kleiber's approach can give some people the feeling that his version of the second movement lacks the sense of closure that other interpreters have added, I strongly advise them to read the aforementioned liner notes by the wise Alphons for a striking character study of the young mister Schubert.

Intelligence and sensibility.......2003-05-23

Carlos Kleiber is a great musician. Schubert is a great composer. The result is a wonderfully alive Symphony no. 3 and a profound 8th!

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

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: Symphonies 1-4; Rosamunde ballet music
Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 93-98
Haydn: Symphonies #99-104; Sir Thomas Beecham; Royal Philharmonic
Schumann: The Four Symphonies
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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Dvorák: The Symphonies

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!!!

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Rick Danko [Import]

Brahms: Symphony in Em No4, Op98; Strauss: Fledermaus

Compositions for Cello & Piano

The Time Is Near

Chill House Session, Vol. 2 [Import]

Drums of Light

Best Selection [Import]

Book Of The Dead

California [Import]

Christmas with George Shearing Quintet

Butch & Doc

Algo Diferente

Duelos de Sonoras

Bach Organ Blaster/Michael Murray

The Head on the Door