Schubert Symphonies

Sir Thomas Beecham is strongly identified with the orchestral music of Schubert, largely from these final recordings made over a period of years at different locations. In fact, it is amazing that these performances sound so cohesive, since bits and pieces were recorded over such a long time span. But Beecham was that rare performer who could make fastidious work sound spontaneous–and there are many such moments among these three symphonies. Indeed, these recordings could be recommended just for the wonderful woodwind solos. On the other hand, I find the string playing a little harsh and overdriven.

Abbado’s complete Schubert symphony cycle is a benchmark recording, exhibiting a “freshness of approach and authentic Schubertian warmth and glow” (Gramophone). Not only does this collection contain the entire collection of Abbado's Schubert symphonies, it also features the added bonus of Joseph Joachim’s great orchestration of the "Grand Duo", originally for piano duet, now a virtual symphony in its own right.

If the shadow of Mozart still haunts Schubert’s Symphony no.5, the Seventh (in no way ‘unfinished’ in the eyes of its creator) already looks far into the future. Pablo Heras-Casado and the musicians of the Freiburger Barockorchester lead us towards that Romantic élan. Their flexible approach, keen and swift in the earlier symphony, making room for shadows and mystery in its successor, meets the challenge of bringing out the contrast between these ‘two Schuberts’, here more audible than ever.