Search - Blomstedt & Staatskapelle Dresden :: Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7(8) [Remastered] [Japan]

Appealing traditional readings with the perfect orchestra

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/16/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Among world-class orchestras, the Dresden Staatskapelle has made the fewest appearances in the U.S., but by reputation and on records we know it to be refined and delicate in sonority. That perfectly suits Schubert -- the first impression that Blomstedt's Fifth and "Unfinished" make is one of rightness. Only the Vienna Phil. has a more comfortable fit with this composr, and Dresden comes a very close second.Blomstedt is a traditionalist, so nothing amiss happens here, but nothing all that personal, either. He's like a Karl Bohm who knows how to smile. If you want relaxed, mainstream interpretations, these are beautiful examples"