Our Summer BAL 44: Schubert Symphony No 9 in C Major D944

[verismissimo]

... Walter/ColSO, which looks forward to Bruckner, and Norrington/LCP, which...doesn't. Of the two, I've always preferred the Walter

Interesting distinction, RT. The two I've been comparing have a similar polarisation - Walter as you say Brucknerian, whereas Kertesz sounds to my ears quite like his Dvorak recordings, full of drive and energy.

[gurnemanz]

Interesting distinction, RT. The two I've been comparing have a similar polarisation - Walter as you say Brucknerian, whereas Kertesz sounds to my ears quite like his Dvorak recordings, full of drive and energy.

A newish convert to classical music post 60s, I first heard Schubert 9 on a car radio travelling through the Alps (quite appropriate) aged 20 in 1970. I hadn't heard the work announced and thought it was Bruckner. I resolved to get an LP without delay. It was Krips/LSO on Decca Ace of Diamonds - still a favourite.

[aeolium]

Interesting distinction, RT. The two I've been comparing have a similar polarisation - Walter as you say Brucknerian, whereas Kertesz sounds to my ears quite like his Dvorak recordings, full of drive and energy.

Yes, I love that Kertesz recording, veri, but also Furtwängler/BPO and Mackerras/OAE - three completely different performances but each with their own delights. In fact, I've rarely been disappointed listening to either recordings or live performances of this work (the last concert one I heard was a fine rendering by the CBSO and the late-lamented Walter Weller), so now I am not bothered about seeking out new recordings but look forward to the next live broadcast of Schubert 9 on R3, presumably from the Proms.

[BBMmk2]

I don't think I have seen any opinion of the PO/Mackerras recording? I have this and I think it was reccomended from a member here.

[Barbirollians]

Missed this thread having been away at the time

1 Halle/Barbirolli 1964 - once on EMI Eminence - one of my very first classical records and now available on Dutton at an absurdly cheap price on Amazon . Absolutely thrilling and given a very good review on its reissue by RO in Gramophone

2 Boult/LPO - on cassette I never got why this was raved about . It seemed jolly dull compared to Barbirolli . On CD , however, it shines. Superbly paced and beautifully played

3 COE/Abbado - a marvellous account wonderfully played and recorded .

Also much liked - Szell, Solti,Krips and Furtwangler .