Schubert’s 4th Symphony: Advice please

[Mal]

The winner was ???

[BaL in 2012 + comments from Forumites.]

The Menuhin extracts seemed well liked by the forumistas. Was that with Sinfona Varsovia? I have this and like it; it opens powerfully, but keeps the lightness of a chamber orchestra, the slow movement is nobly expressive. It's a good digital recording from 1997, bargain price on Warner Apex, and comes with a good 1. (Good notes as well...)

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

EA can call me a Holy Hippite if he likes

I've never thought of you as such. It's holier-than-thou hippites who I referred to on an earlier thread - those who presume their views are incontrovertible, and that anyone who disagrees is a relic from the distant past.

[Bryn]

I've never thought of you as such. It's holier-than-thou hippites who I referred to on an earlier thread - those who presume their views are incontrovertible, and that anyone who disagrees is a relic from the distant past.

"distant past"? If only. It's those wedded to the 'true way' of the not so distant past who might be seen as lacking in respect for the composers' intentions.

[Barbirollians]

"distant past"? If only. It's those wedded to the 'true way' of the not so distant past who might be seen as lacking in respect for the composers' intentions.

At which point is this a good time to recommend the live Barbirolli account coupled with the Britten Serenade and Sibelius 2 on ICA Classics.

[Pianoman]

Manacorda is the current Schubert favourite here, HIP ish with his superb Potsdam orchestra

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I'm still very fond of the Hanover Band's version - most will find the acoustic far too swimmy, but I love it!

- it turns out that, like gurne, that's the only recording of the work that I have. I played it this afternoon together with the coupling, #6, and they are superb performances - with rather an odd acoustic: the Strings sound well, the woodwinds a bit more "blurred", and the brass and timps as if they've been recorded in an empty sports stadium. Once this has become familiar, I find the sound quite acceptable. (And the recording of the Ninth from that set has long been a great [ <ho-ho> ] favourite of mine: one of the very best performances of this work that there is.)

[richardfinegold]

The Fifth is my favorite Schubert Symphony. The melodies linger forever

[cloughie]

The Fifth is my favorite Schubert Symphony. The melodies linger forever

Always fresh and music which exudes sunshine and the feel good factor.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Always fresh and music which exudes sunshine and the feel good factor.

It's a joy to conduct, too.

[jayne lee wilson]

Do try to get a listen to the 5th I linked to above, Michi Gaigg and the L'Orfeo Barockorkester....

https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/schubert-concert-overtures-symphony-no-5-lorfeo-barockorchester/0886443009127

Truly exceptional. Sunshine and feelgood to spare there!

Last year's ORR/JEG live effort is another marvel c/w the Brahms 2nd Serenade. Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Peach of an album.

[MickyD]

- it turns out that, like gurne, that's the only recording of the work that I have. I played it this afternoon together with the coupling, #6, and they are superb performances - with rather an odd acoustic: the Strings sound well, the woodwinds a bit more "blurred", and the brass and timps as if they've been recorded in an empty sports stadium. Once this has become familiar, I find the sound quite acceptable. (And the recording of the Ninth from that set has long been a great [ <ho-ho> ] favourite of mine: one of the very best performances of this work that there is.)

It's gratifying to know that I am not the only one who appreciates that early Nimbus sound of the Hanover Band recordings!

[cloughie]

Do try to get a listen to the 5th I linked to above, Michi Gaigg and the L'Orfeo Barockorkester....

https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/schubert-concert-overtures-symphony-no-5-lorfeo-barockorchester/0886443009127

Truly exceptional. Sunshine and feelgood to spare there!

Last year's ORR/JEG live effort is another marvel c/w the Brahms 2nd Serenade. Recorded in the Concertgebouw, Peach of an album.

Try the 1954 VPO Bohm Jayne!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

It's so nice to share a forum with people like jlw!

Agreed! Even when she makes fun of me.

[jayne lee wilson]

It's gratifying to know that I am not the only one who appreciates that early Nimbus sound of the Hanover Band recordings!

The reverberant splendours of All Saints Tooting, where much of the Schubert cycle was recorded. When RCA did the excellent Schumann set with Goodman it was that classic combo of Keener/Faulkner/Abbey Road, with stunningly natural, detailed and dynamic results - much more immediate.

I do often enjoy a more spacious setback sound though - relatively rare, though you'll hear it to lovely effect on many of Herreweghe's Schubert cycle, including the recent 2 and 5 in Antwerp (MOD-HIPPS). Even more acoustically generous than the Goodman, it's yet another winner - it is a lucky symphony on record.

[MickyD]

The Hanover Band's Beethoven cycle was of course recorded at Tooting as well. As was a fascinating 2 CD set called 'Beethoven and the Royal Philharmonic', a reconstructed concert of works by different composers. The highlight for me is their rendition of the overture to "Anacréon" by Cherubini - the acoustic of the church is used to great effect with the earthy, rasping sounds of the Hanover Band brass. A pity it no longer seems to be available.