Search - Schubert, Phil Orch, Klemperer :: Klemperer Conducts Schubert: Sym 8 & 9

Klemperer at his very best

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 12/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Despite his habitual (to some, exasperating) slow tempos in old age, Klemperer wasn't totally predictable, as this alert, urgent Schubert "Unfinished" Sym. from 1963 shows. The music brings out all the virtues he displays as a Mozart conductor--lovely voicing in the woodwinds, lyricism with a touch of austerity, and dynamic accents without treading too hard. It's a mesmerizing performance, even though everything is accomplished with the plainest methods--that was Klemperer's secret throughout his illustrious late career.



The Schubert Ninth from 1960 (in somewhat edgier sound) begins more bumptiously than any other I've heard--the first movement allegro could be a clog dance--far from the suave Schubert of Karajan or the relaxed nostalgia of Bruno Walter. But Klemperer soon finds other lights, softer and sweeter, and one discovers that he is bringing out more contrast in Schubert's very long paragraphs than the rambunctious opening hinted at. The rise and fall from lyricism to passion continues throughout. Tempos are again faster than the norm. The Philharmonia plays with its familiar expertness; they come closer to being the Clevealnd Orch. than any other British ensemble. The finale of the Ninth is especially strong; Schubert's endless ostinato rhtyhms manage, miraculously, to remain full of life after dozens of repetitions.



One could buy this CD and never need another performance of either work (impossible in practice, though)."

Old Klemp's Schubert

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 09/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This title in EMI's "Klemperer Legacy" series features the great conductor's stereo recordings of the last two Schubert Symphonies -- the "Unfinished" and the "Great." Both Symphonies were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the 8th in 1963 and the 9th in 1960. Klemperer's 9th is slow compared to Szell's or Krips', and I feel it lacks the depth of the comparably paced Barbirolli or Bohm accounts. The 8th secures a better tempo, and the result is an enjoyable reading. While Klemperer's Schubert might not be as essential as his Beethoven, Bruckner or Mahler recordings, they are nonetheless quite good and a joy to have in my collection. As with many other EMI series, "Klemperer Legacy" discs are becoming harder to find and some are already out of print. Interested parties should purchase this CD quickly."