Ah , for the old Vienna ...
Vinteuil | USA | 12/29/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any recording from Bruno Walter is to be treasured and this CD is a case in point. The grand old Master conducts gentle , songful performances very much in the Viennese tradition . While there is no lack of dramatic tension in the Unfinished , it is the wisdom and the sense of philosophical resignation that make this version unique . A nostalgic recording ."
Walter's New York Schubert "Unfinished" is still one of the
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 12/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Recorded in 1958, Bruno Walter's New York Philharmonic Schubert "Unfinished" is still one of the best recordings of this work, even after 47+ years. Walter has charm, sensitivity, and builds the climaxes in I into something really exciting and special. The New York Philharmonic at this time just beginning their 11 year stint with Leonard Bernstein as Music director, play wonderfully. They always had a special rapport with Bruno Walter (1876-1962) and this is one of their few stereo recordings with him. Many of Bruno Walter's stereo recordings were with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra, consisting of freelance musicians + some players of the Los Angeles Philharmonic; another Walter/New York recording in stereo is Mahler's Symphony No. 2, coupled with Symphony 1 in another "Bruno Walter Edition" release.
There are other fine Schubert 8s: Bernstein/Concertgebouw (DG), Bohm/Berlin (DG), Barenboim/Berlin (CBS) can all be recommended. Walter, however, has something special that no other recording (in my experience, anyway) can match. He clearly loved Schubert, and it shows. The New York Philharmonic's sound is big and beefy: you won't need the "Loudness" or any added bass on, as there is prominent bass in this recording.
My same high marks comments apply to the Schubert 5 (with the Columbia Symphony) which is stereo, and one of the great Schubert 5s along with Beecham/RPO (EMI) and Bohm/Berlin (DG).
The Beethoven LEONORE III is also excellent: a MONO recording with the New York Philharmonic from 1954. The MONO sound here is very fine, and not inferior to the Schubert Symphonies. Recommended.
FURTHER SUGGESTION: Get this, + Walter's Schubert Symphony 9, and then Beecham/Royal Philharmonic for Schubert 1 and 2 (Sony UK) and Schubert 3, 5, and 6 (EMI) + either Ormandy Schubert 4 (Sony Essential) or Halasz/Failoni Schubert 4 (Naxos) for a Schubert Symphony cycle disc by disc. You can't go wrong with these recordings, and they'll provide much pleasure."
Walter at his most relaxed and genial, but age takes its tol
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"By far the most vigorous and alert performance on this CD is of the Leonore #3 Over., which is also the earliest item (mono, 1953), but that's no surprise. By 1958, when he conducted the Schubert "Unfinished," Walter was entering a phase of varying health, stamina, and inspiration. You never quite know whether he will be on or not. Both Schubert recordings come from a very different conductor than the Beethoven, one who has a weaker grasp of rhythm and tends toward a genial, autumnal slowness.
Of the two Schubert works, the Fifth is the mroe successful, I think, despite the measured pace in all movements except the Scherzo. We are so used to hearing the Fifth tossed off in sparkling, fizzy performances that hearing it slowed down and played with affection is winning. The "Unfinished" has a rather fast (11 min.) first movement in which Walter comes to life with some dramatic impulses. Unfortunately, the Andante that follows, though beautifully played by the NY Phil., seems rhythmically inert to me. As to sonics, the Fifth is in rather thin, shrill sound while the "Unfinished" is warmer. Both are certainly listenable.
I know there are many listeners, particularly older ones, who love these Schubert readings, but for me the dynamic, thrilling Leonore Over. remains the highlight. It's among the best Beethoven we have from Walter."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1