SCHUBERT COE/HARNONCOURT - NEW RELEASE!
Live performances from the 1988 Styriarte Festival in Graz, these fresh, exciting readings have a marvellous sense of discovery about them, conductor and orchestra finding new insights, new energies, in the music and each other early on in their relationship. NH always brings out detail short- and long-term: listen to how the recap of the 6th is far more dramatic and dynamic than its exposition…..a repeat is rarely literal. But it's not just attack and driving rhythm, the lyrical passages are brought out with unusual, very touching tenderness.
At first I felt the sound balance a little too recessed; this is a smallish orchestra playing in a large space (not an especially reverberant one though) but there’s no lack of detail - just the opposite: the individuality and character of the winds is a delight throughout, the ear soon adjusts and the spaciousness lends a very atmospheric feel.
Dynamics seemed a little flattened initially, but with an increase in volume everything opened up very pleasingly. These are good, well-balanced Austrian Radio tapings, from a mid-hall perspective, and with applause after each symphony.
Harnoncourt did some wonderful things in Berlin and Amsterdam, but a few spot check comparisons showed the extra attack and commitment of this new release, a sense of wonder and exploration compelling in such familiar rep.
I always felt that Harnoncourt worked best and most inventively with smaller groups, COE and CMW; with the BPO and RCOA he had to compromise with their rich pre-existent traditions to some extent, lovely though the results often are. The Berlin Schubert, beautiful though it is, sounds very warm, comfortable and laid-back compared to this set!
***
Up to No.6 so far….saving up the 8th (only 2 movements, well, you can’t have everything)… and 9th for late night…
Mes favoris
Cet élément a bien été ajouté / retiré de vos favoris.
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9 (Live)
Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - QOBUZ
CD set available.
Do have a listen and share your thoughts.....!
Live performances from the 1988 Styriarte Festival in Graz, these fresh, exciting readings have a marvellous sense of discovery about them, conductor and orchestra finding new insights, new energies, in the music and each other early on in their relationship. NH always brings out detail short- and long-term: listen to how the recap of the 6th is far more dramatic and dynamic than its exposition…..a repeat is rarely literal. But it's not just attack and driving rhythm, the lyrical passages are brought out with unusual, very touching tenderness.
At first I felt the sound balance a little too recessed; this is a smallish orchestra playing in a large space (not an especially reverberant one though) but there’s no lack of detail - just the opposite: the individuality and character of the winds is a delight throughout, the ear soon adjusts and the spaciousness lends a very atmospheric feel.
Dynamics seemed a little flattened initially, but with an increase in volume everything opened up very pleasingly. These are good, well-balanced Austrian Radio tapings, from a mid-hall perspective, and with applause after each symphony.
Harnoncourt did some wonderful things in Berlin and Amsterdam, but a few spot check comparisons showed the extra attack and commitment of this new release, a sense of wonder and exploration compelling in such familiar rep.
I always felt that Harnoncourt worked best and most inventively with smaller groups, COE and CMW; with the BPO and RCOA he had to compromise with their rich pre-existent traditions to some extent, lovely though the results often are. The Berlin Schubert, beautiful though it is, sounds very warm, comfortable and laid-back compared to this set!
***
Up to No.6 so far….saving up the 8th (only 2 movements, well, you can’t have everything)… and 9th for late night…
Mes favoris
Cet élément a bien été ajouté / retiré de vos favoris.
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1-6, 8 & 9 (Live)
Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
- Released on 06/11/2020 by ICA Classics
24-Bit 48.0 kHz - QOBUZ
CD set available.
Do have a listen and share your thoughts.....!
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