Composer: Franz Schubert
Works: Symphony No. 4 in C minor, D417 ‘Tragic’; Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D485; Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D759 ‘Unfinished’; Symphony No. 9 in C major, D944 ‘Great’; Suite from ‘Rosamunde’, D797
Performers: Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gunther Wand (conductor); NDR Symphony Orchestra, Gunther Wand (conductor); Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner (conductor)
Recording: Recorded between 1980 & 1991 (Wand)
Label: RCA RED SEAL
Franz Schubert, a composer whose symphonic output has long inhabited the shadowed corner of orchestral repertoire, is offered a compelling showcase in this double CD set. His symphonies, often overshadowed by his contemporaries, nonetheless offer a glimpse into the evolution of the symphonic form from Beethoven to Bruckner. The works presented here span Schubert’s symphonic journey, from the introspective ‘Tragic’ Symphony to the expansive vistas of the ‘Great’ C major.
Under the baton of Gunther Wand, a maestro renowned for his deep affinity with the Germanic symphonic tradition, the Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra delivers a performance of Symphony No. 4 that is both robust and introspective. Wand’s interpretation underscores the Sturm und Drang elements inherent in the score, allowing the tragic overtones to emerge with clarity and purpose. The Cologne ensemble’s sensitive dynamics and precise articulation lend a modern sheen to Schubert’s early Romanticism.
In Symphony No. 5, Wand channels Schubert’s quintessential Viennese charm, offering a reading that is as much about grace and elegance as it is about structural integrity. The orchestra’s phrasing is light and buoyant, capturing the youthful exuberance of the composer. Wand’s tempi are judiciously chosen, allowing the music to flow with a natural lilt that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted.
Fritz Reiner’s rendition of the ‘Unfinished’ Symphony with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra contrasts sharply with Wand’s approach, providing a more dramatic and muscular interpretation. Reiner’s command of orchestral forces is evident in the first movement’s brooding intensity and the second movement’s expansive lyricism. The Chicago Symphony’s performance is marked by a warm, resonant sound, with strings and winds in particular offering a tapestry of rich timbres and dynamic contrasts.
Wand’s interpretation of the ‘Great’ C major Symphony with the NDR Symphony Orchestra is a testament to his deep understanding of Schubert’s symphonic architecture. The performance is imbued with a sense of inevitability, each movement unfolding with a natural progression that feels both spontaneous and predestined. Wand’s sense of scale and proportion are masterful, capturing the symphony’s grand gestures and intricate details with equal aplomb.
In terms of sound quality, the recordings are generally well-balanced, though the dynamic range in the ‘Tragic’ Symphony may require listener adjustment. The engineering captures the nuances of Wand and Reiner’s interpretations with clarity, although the documentation accompanying the set leaves much to be desired in terms of readability and detail.
This compilation stands as a valuable testament to Schubert’s symphonic genius, as realized through the authoritative interpretations of Wand and Reiner. With performances that are both musically insightful and technically accomplished, this set is a desirable addition for any Schubert enthusiast. The recordings offer a well-rounded representation of Schubert’s symphonic oeuvre, encapsulating both the emotional depth and the formal sophistication that define his contributions to the genre.
