A maggot for the Schubert 'Great' C Major symphony...

[richardfinegold]

I've a lot of Schubert "Greats" but particularly like Mackerras/SCO (modern instruments, on Telarc), Mackerras OAE (old instruments, on Virgin), and Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG), a tremendous performance that's not as well known as it deserves to be. A different Bernstein performance, with the Bavarian Radio SO is on DVD and that, too, is pretty splendid. Another DVD with Karl Böhm with the Vienna Phil and has some tremendous moments (the whole thing is on youtube for anyone who is interested).
.
Oh dear, this is getting too long, but I have to agree with enthusiasts for Boult's EMI recording (and/or one of his live performances). Bruno Walter has already been mentioned too - and he's fantastic in this work - but his New York PO version is well worth finding as well as the later Columbia SO disc.

Haitink's Concertgebouw version has not - I think - had an international CD release (maybe it appeared in Japan) but it is included in the new "Haitink: The Philips Years" box which is turning out to be something of a treasure trove.

I first learned the piece with Barbirolli/Halle. The Haitink Amsterdam was the recording that really wowed me and I'm surprised that it never made it to CD.
I've lived with Krips and szell but recently discovered Herreweghe on Pentatone, my new favorite.

[alycidon]

I like the ninth, but I wouldn't go mad about it. For me, the best Schubert symphony is No 4 in C minor.

But then, I'm unusual.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I'm unusual.

Glad you've found your spritual home here, alycid

[alycidon]

Glad you've found your spritual home here, alycid

Gee! Thanks, ferney!

[richardfinegold]

I've a lot of Schubert "Greats" but particularly like Mackerras/SCO (modern instruments, on Telarc), Mackerras OAE (old instruments, on Virgin), and Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG), a tremendous performance that's not as well known as it deserves to be. A different Bernstein performance, with the Bavarian Radio SO is on DVD and that, too, is pretty splendid. Another DVD with Karl Böhm with the Vienna Phil and has some tremendous moments (the whole thing is on youtube for anyone who is interested).
.
Oh dear, this is getting too long, but I have to agree with enthusiasts for Boult's EMI recording (and/or one of his live performances). Bruno Walter has already been mentioned too - and he's fantastic in this work - but his New York PO version is well worth finding as well as the later Columbia SO disc.

Haitink's Concertgebouw version has not - I think - had an international CD release (maybe it appeared in Japan) but it is included in the new "Haitink: The Philips Years" box which is turning out to be something of a treasure trove.

The Haitink box is not being offered in the States yet. I perused the contents and I already have most of the items that interested me the most, the exception being the Schubert 9th. This would be a perfect situation for a download, where I could order the one item of a 20 disc set that I want, but I doubt that will be available.

[french frank]

('tho' I still haven't got the Minkowski set yet).

Anyone got this? I'm very tempted ... in fact ... I might just go searching now

[pastoralguy]

Anyone got this? I'm very tempted ... in fact ... I might just go searching now

Yes, FF, I have it. Personally, I really like it although there are one or two doubters on Amazon who feel that the set is let down by the last two symphonies. It's very well played and, IMHO, there's an 'earthy' quality to it.

[Dave2002]

The Haitink box is not being offered in the States yet. I perused the contents and I already have most of the items that interested me the most, the exception being the Schubert 9th. This would be a perfect situation for a download, where I could order the one item of a 20 disc set that I want, but I doubt that will be available.

It is available on iTunes in the UK, but unfortunately D944 is only available as 4 "Album Only" tracks.

PS: It is available on Spotify - listening now. I'll check Napster too.

[french frank]

Yes, FF, I have it. Personally, I really like it although there are one or two doubters on Amazon who feel that the set is let down by the last two symphonies. It's very well played and, IMHO, there's an 'earthy' quality to it.

Thanks, pg. I don't have any period recordings so this set seems a good one to fill the gap since I do like the Minkowski style. In any case, if I don't like those particular last performances, I'll play the ones I have already.

[richardfinegold]

It is available on iTunes in the UK, but unfortunately D944 is only available as 4 "Album Only" tracks.

PS: It is available on Spotify - listening now. I'll check Napster too.

Thanks

[pastoralguy]

I've a lot of Schubert "Greats" but particularly like Mackerras/SCO (modern instruments, on Telarc), Mackerras OAE (old instruments, on Virgin), and Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG), a tremendous performance that's not as well known as it deserves to be.

I've just listened to the Bernstein/Concertgebouw version and it's very good indeed if, perhaps, lacking an ounce or two of charm. (IMHO!) I was a little worried since Bernsteins later performance could be slow and leaden but not this. Super performance.

[pastoralguy]

I first heard the Schubert 9th with Furtwanglers recording over 50 years ago,and it is the one I return to,although I also have a high regard for the Krips recording.

I'm listening to the Krips version just now. Superb!

[alycidon]

I'm attempting to use the word 'maggot' in its arcane sense of 'obsession' or 'ear worm'.

I had never heard the term 'ear worm', pastoralguy, until a couple of weeks ago when Steven Fry mentioned it on QI.

I have always had ear worms, but thought that they were just another manifestation of OCD, which they well may be, as you mention the word obsession. Even 'nice' ear worms can be a pain the neck - well, ear!

[Barbirollians]

Halle/Barbirolli is marvellous !

Other favourites and I have lots

Abbado /COE
Furtwangler
Boult
VPO/Solti
BRSO/Jochum

[pastoralguy]

My 'maggot' continues to feed on Schubert's 'Great' masterpiece! I've got the Bernstein/NYPO version on just now and, IMHO, it's very rushed although there are insights.

This work is a gift that keeps on giving!