BaL 29.11.14 - Schumann: Symphony no. 2

[cloughie]

That's interesting. This was the first version I had, but found the Decca sound surprisingly scrawny - most uncharacteristic for this company and the matchless orchestra.

An electric performance sounded fine to me through Goldring GL75/Shure/Leak Delta/KEF Concertos!!!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

An electric performance sounded fine to me through Goldring GL75/Shure/Leak Delta/KEF Concertos!!!

A great setup, Cloughy!

I must give it another try.

[slarty]

Here another from Szell Alpie- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Schumann-Sym...mphony+2+Szell

Szell for me with Karajan close behind.
Does anyone remember that fabulous performance at the RFH 18 September 1979 with the LSO and Celibidache? that was a tremendous performance.

[seabright]

I hadn't known about the Paray / Israel Philharmonic version until I saw the list in #1 but I do have him in all four Schumann symphonies with the Detroit SO in a Mercury 'Living Presence' CD box, not shown in the list! The 1950 Stokowski recording on Cala is worth having for the glorious oboe solo played by Robert Bloom in the slow movement. As this is mono however I doubt it will get a BAL mention.

[mikealdren]

I remember having to prepare the scherzo for an orchestral audition... No wonder I have grey hairs...

Yes it's the only piece I've ever played where the first violin section took the first bow!

Mike

[Keraulophone]

'Sinopoli's qualities as an interpreter were announced in one of his first records, a daring reading of Schumann's Symphony No. 2. In it, he made the slow movement resemble a nervous breakdown, which let the scherzo erupt in barely controlled frenzy. Schumann was a psychotic, but, Sinopoli adds, "There is not one important composer who is absolutely normal. Genius is itself a variety of freakishness and great art is a kind of sublimation of that deviance." Sinopoli received a medical degree in his native country and then completed the equivalent of a residence in psychiatry. "I am very interested in the way music expresses the tensions and conflicts in our society and in our lives," he says. "Music is not something isolated; there is always a cultural and psychological context." ' (The Baltimore Sun)

It is arguable to what extent any recording of a musical work should reflect the particular neuroses of the composer, and such a reading of Schumann 2 is inevitably more likely to be summarily dismissed in a BaL than even be illustrated; but IMO Sinopoli's interpretation deserves its place among significant readings of this work.

[visualnickmos]

.....It is arguable to what extent any recording of a musical work should reflect the particular neuroses of the composer, and such a reading of Schumann 2 is inevitably more likely to be summarily dismissed in a BaL than even be illustrated; but IMO Sinopoli's interpretation deserves its place among significant readings of this work.

That is actually a very interesting point. Perhaps an impossible one to 'square' with... I don't know. It seems that the notion could raise many unknowns, and speculative concepts as to exactly how an interpretation is executed.

Sinopoli is a conductor that I am not really very familiar with regarding recorded work, although I did see him conducted Mahler's second, at the RFH in about '81, '82. I would like to hear a sample of his Schumann.

PS I attended three organ recitals in Béziers cathedral during the summer. Excellent, they were. The sound and power of this particular organ is sheer beauty in sound. Looking forward to next summer's series.

[teamsaint]

'Sinopoli's qualities as an interpreter were announced in one of his first records, a daring reading of Schumann's Symphony No. 2. In it, he made the slow movement resemble a nervous breakdown, which let the scherzo erupt in barely controlled frenzy. Schumann was a psychotic, but, Sinopoli adds, "There is not one important composer who is absolutely normal. Genius is itself a variety of freakishness and great art is a kind of sublimation of that deviance." Sinopoli received a medical degree in his native country and then completed the equivalent of a residence in psychiatry. "I am very interested in the way music expresses the tensions and conflicts in our society and in our lives," he says. "Music is not something isolated; there is always a cultural and psychological context." ' (The Baltimore Sun)

It is arguable to what extent any recording of a musical work should reflect the particular neuroses of the composer, and such a reading of Schumann 2 is inevitably more likely to be summarily dismissed in a BaL than even be illustrated; but IMO Sinopoli's interpretation deserves its place among significant readings of this work.

Very interesting , Kezza.

I assume that this would be it?

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MF8Lap9wIkQ

And available in this rather scrummy looking box?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Giuseppe-Sinopoli-Orchestral-Works/dp/B0079J27DS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1416651573&sr=8-2&keywords=sinopoli+schumann

[visualnickmos]

A great list, as I've said, but I don't think this one is on it ! (sorry )

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Semkow

[teamsaint]

A great list, as I've said, but I don't think this one is on it ! (sorry )

Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Semkow

Their recording of the Spring is one I am very partial too.

Might have to buy the box,available pretty cheaply.

[Keraulophone]

I assume that this would be it?http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=MF8Lap9wIkQ

= VPO c/w Manfred Ov on DG.

Sinopoli also recorded all four Schumann symphonies for DG with the Staatskapelle Dresden, their burnished playing recalled from the Sawallisch EMI box, which was once the standard recommendation for the set.

[mathias broucek]

And available in this rather scrummy looking box?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Giuseppe...opoli+schumann

Highly recommended. Other highlights in it include the Tchaikovsky (6 + R&J), Daphnis, La Mer, the Mendelssohn Italian and some R Strauss. Only downside is that the Bruckner included (4 & 7 IIRC) is good but nothing like as good as his fabulous recordings of 5 and 8 (all with the SKD)

[BBMmk2]

Not too keen on Schumann's orchestral music but I doi rather like his piano works but seeing that the Orchestra Mozart/Abbado have recorded these, I might just listen to this one and see how they fair!

[Nick Armstrong]

Not too keen on Schumann's orchestral music

[BBMmk2]

Sorry Cali!! (Have a virtual Spitfire!)