Classical, May 2019

hfnalbum.pngSchubert
Symphonies Nos 3, 5 and 8, 'Unfinished'
CBSO/Edward Gardner
Chandos CHSA5234 (downloads up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution)

A bold start to a new Schubert cycle when we already have the benchmark VPO/Carlos Kleiber CD of Symphonies Nos 3 and 8 – although some may not like his unconventionally fast Allegretto, 3(ii) – and recent VPO/Abbado 5 and 8 [both DG]. However, the CBSO players more than hold their own in these Birmingham Town Hall recordings, while Gardner's interpretation of the 'Unfinished' is one of the most engaging

I have heard. The pause and heavy brass interpolations in (i) are quite menacing to the vulnerable line. At 0m 14s into No 5(i) Gardner makes a subito piano that seems to interrupt the flow (for me) in otherwise wholly enjoyable accounts of the two earlier symphonies. CB

719music.berlioz-sym

Berlioz
Symphonie Fantastique (arr Heisser)
Jean-François Heisser & Marie-Josèphe Jude
Harmonia Mundi HMM902503 (downloads up to 44.1kHz/24-bit res)

This isn't Liszt's 1833 piano reduction of the Berlioz, but one prepared (30 years ago) by Heisser for two pianists. They play a 1928 Pleyel 'double piano' belonging to the Musée National de la Musique, Paris, having two facing keyboards, two sets of strings but a shared soundboard. Heisser tends to dominate but the two pianists are impressive in the accuracy of their coordination. Does it reveal any new insights into the work itself? No – but the interpretation of 'Scène aux Champs' is quite poetic and there are fascinating timbral effects in both the March and 'Witches' Sabbath' finale. CB

719music.mozart-violin

Mozart
Violin Concertos Nos 1, 2 & 3
LSO/Nikolaj Znaider
LSO Live LSO0804 (downloads to 96kHz/24-bit resolution)

Late last year the Russian violinist (now increasingly conducting large-scale works) said he wanted to be known in future by his family name Szeps-Znaider. Here he completes his Mozart concerto series, playing with a full complement of the LSO's strings but with quite quick tempi and strong accents. It's a midway version between, say, the old Grumiaux/Philips series and more austere accounts like the Faust/Harmonia Mundi or Carmignola/DG. Cadenzas are not overlong and are presumably Znaider's own. The balance is good although violins are all on the left and at times they do sound rather bright. CB

719music.Sibelius-Rouvali

Sibelius
Symphony No 1; En Saga
Gothenburg SO/Santtu-Matias Rouvali
Alpha ALPHA440 (downloads to 96kHz/24-bit resolution)

To see Rouvali conduct is to watch an extreme solo ballet performance – index finger stabbing ever upwards. (He says his whole body must convey the music.) Here he begins his Swedish orchestra's third recorded Sibelius cycle – two were with Neeme Järvi. It's an exciting start, with excellent sound, Rouvali and/or his producer ensuring that we hear every orchestral detail. More importantly it has the feel of a live performance. Some tempo changes are perhaps exaggerated (this is a young man's Sibelius), as in the quiet near-ending part of En Saga. But the final gallop and opening atmosphere are impressive. CB

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