Schumann Symphonies Complete Set

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

just acquired the set by David Zinman with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra from emusic [v good price] and currently listening to these mp3 downloads ... do boredees have favourite versions or views on Zinman?

[Bryn]

SCO, Mackerras, (Radio 3 broadcasts from the EIF). Otherwise, JEG or Norrington.

[Roehre]

My favourites: JEG (DGG), Muti/Philharmonia (EMI) and Kubelik/BPO (DGG)

[Ferretfancy]

One to avoid -- Harnoncourt / COE. I'm not sure if he has recorded all four, but his performances of 3 & 4 are very uninspiring and foursquare, a back to Oxfam item for me, but it was bought as a bargain!

[visualnickmos]

Kubelik
Bavarian Radio SO

[Barbirollians]

Sawallisch, Szell and Kubelik - Furtwangler in No 4

[Nick Armstrong]

I always, always, always come back to the Staatskapelle Dresden set under Sawallisch... one of those recordings that however many other performances one hears, seems 'just right'. (Haven't heard the Zinman, having said that).

Great value these days - £11.60 or less on a GROC double http://www.amazon.co.uk/Schumann-Sym...den+sawallisch

Pure magic

[richardfinegold]

I always, always, always come back to the Staatskapelle Dresden set under Sawallisch... one of those recordings that however many other performances one hears, seems 'just right'. (Haven't heard the Zinman, having said that).

Great value these days - £11.60 or less on a GROC double http://www.amazon.co.uk/Schumann-Sym...den+sawallisch



Pure magic

I have Kubelik, Szell, Barenboim,and Karajan. Von K is the most consistently satisfying.

[Parry1912]

JEG, BPO/Kubelik and Karajan for me. I must give Sawallisch another listen.

[jayne lee wilson]

Traditionals: Sawallisch, Szell, Vonk, - Paray/Detroit SO too, if sonically a bit uneven - but a lighter more agile approach (which I always prefer) and an outstanding No.1.

Refreshers: Harnoncourt/COE (one of the very best, with the 1841 4th - supplemented by the revised 4th with the Berlin Phil, c/w Schubert 4, great CD). Zinman (wonderfully warm-yet-clear sound on CD), JEG

Wild Cards: Bamberg SO/Ceccato (BIS) ... these are the Mahler re-orchestrations (dynamic alterations too) - they include a short edit in 2(iv) (don't faint), but have a lovely blend of fullness, warmth and agility - very expressive approach, not too heavy (biggest sin in this rep.). Sound is very dynamic in the early BIS manner, strings occasionally a little fierce. Lovable, rewarding, off-the-beaten set. Try sampling it at eclassical.
Chailly's Leipzig Schumann is also the Mahler edit, very well played and recorded, but for me just a bit too hefty.

Radical: Swedish CO/Dausgaard (BIS) ... this can seem somewhat severe & plain-spoken at times, vibrato at a minimum, but great clarity of line, rhythm and texture and always keeps you listening; light and swift, still expressive enough in slow movements (especially 2). Outstandingly natural sound, and it includes one of the best Overture,Scherzo and Finale(s) I've heard. Just try a bit at a time as a download.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Karajan, Kubelik (both sets) and Muti: if allowed only one; Karajan.

[Petrushka]

Don't care for the sound on the Sawallisch set - much too overbearing. I prefer BPO/Kubelik, BRSO/Kubelik and Karajan.

[Beef Oven]

Karajan for me

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

interesting the vienna Phil seems not to be favoured in these works? [forgive my ignorance if you have already referred to them above ]

[Madame Suggia]

I have the Kubelik BRSO and Klemperer with the Philharmonia.

I don't have, but i've heard and really enjoyed Konwitschny's set with the Gewandhausorchester