Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Claudio Abbado, Chamber Orchestra of Europe :: Schubert: Symphony No.9/Rosamunde Overture

Wonderful Recording of Schubert's "Great" Symphony

JohnL | Alexander, NC United States | 05/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though Claudio Abbado is here conducting the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the weight of Schubert's masterpiece "Great" C Major Symphony is grand indeed. This ensemble is outstandingly sharp, and the tempo of each of the four movements is well-chosen. The usual excellent DG engineers have provided a very clear, well-balanced recording. Schubert finally came up with a highly original Symphony, after being in the shadow of his fore-runners Haydn and Mozart. The spectre of his contemporary Beethoven looms large on most of his earlier symphonies, but he broke completely free at last, late in his tragically short life. His so-called "Unfinished" Symphony (numbered 8), also successfully rises as a Schubert original, and too is a masterpiece. It should be noted that textual amendments for the Ninth are included on this CD, which notably adds four extra bars to the Scherzo, originally cut by Brahms in his early edition of this work. Finally, an enjoyable Rosamunde Overture is included as a generous coupling, rounding out this CD to 72 minutes of pure Franz Schubert. There are many recordings of his last Symphony available, but in my opinion few match this excellent one on Deutsche Grammophon. Highly recommended!"