Search - Robert Schumann, Karol Stryja, Silesian Philharmonic Orchestra :: Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 1 ("Spring") & 3 ("Rhenish")

Enjoyable rendition of two Schumann symphonies

R. Broadhead | Southwestern USA | 08/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD contains enjoyable performances of Schumann's Symphony No. 1 ("Spring") and Symphony No. 3 ("Rhenish"). The recording took place in December 1988 in Katowice, Poland. The label Amadis is the budget line of Naxos, but this no bargain basement disc.



I purchased this CD because I had always liked Schumann's Rhenish symphony and was looking for a low-priced recording. I was not disappointed. Both the Rhenish Symphony and its companion Spring Symphony are played well. Particularly impressive is the bright orchestral color provided by the woodwinds and brass. Overall, the music is played at a lively pace and sound reproduction is good and in most places quite distinct. However, when the lower strings dominate, the sound is a bit muddled, but not unacceptably so. In addition, while the music is played at a lively pace in most places, it does occasionally sound a bit ponderous and heavy. Nevertheless, these are enjoyable recordings of these two fine works by Schumann. At the budget price for which this CD can be had, this disc is a real bargain."

Highly musical performances, brass not prominent enough

HB | Fort Mill, SC | 05/14/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are looking for a very inexpensive CD of these two symphonies, this recording will fill the bill. The performances are highly musical with some really gorgeous phrasing. The "Spring" symphony is one of the finest performances I have heard of that delightful work. The "Rhenish" is also very good. Unfortunately, the Rhenish requires an orchestra with an exceptional brass section. That is not the case here. The orchestra is certainly adequate but the highly important brass parts, especially the horns, are not nearly as prominent as needed. This problem is not that unusual. Quite often the strings will simply cover up the brass. If you like your brass prominent like I do, chamber orchestras are better since they use much smaller string sections. If you are not concerned about the brass, this recording is very fine, especially at the three dollar price."