Search - Franz Schubert, Simon Rattle, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Schubert: Symphony No. 9 "The Great"

This is a great recording of Schubert's "Great" symphony by a great orchestra and conductor. Rattle clearly cherishes its "heavenly length." He even repeats the first movement exposition. Rattle's pacing is expansive; his transitions are poised and leisurely. Without changing the tempo or disrupting the flow and continuity of the music, he takes time to linger over melodic and harmonic details with loving attention, and makes Schubert's mercurial, sometimes abrupt mood changes rhythmically and emotionally natural. The first movement feels reined in yet bursts with vibrant life; the second is pensive and gracious, but the climax is quite terrifying. In contrast to the buoyant, joyful Scherzo, the Trio has a rapturous, irresistibly "wine-happy" lilt; the Finale is triumphantly exuberant. The build-ups have just the right tension and urgency, the climaxes and codas are radiant. The playing is brilliant and utterly committed, the sound full and rich yet transparent, with warm strings, round, vibrant woodwinds and mellow brass (those horns!). Blend and balance are perfect; supported by a firm, hefty bass, the subordinate inner lines cushion the melodies: every voice seems to have almost equal importance. The only flaw, as on so many recent recordings, is excessive dynamic contrast; keep a finger on the volume control. --Edith Eisler