Search - Schumann, Harnoncourt, Chamber Orchestra :: Symphony 1 & 2

Brisk Interpretations Of Schumann's 1st and 2nd Symphonies

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 01/25/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These are fine interpretations of Schumann's 1st and 2nd symphonies which are replete with warm, brilliant playing by the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. In both symphonies, Harnoncourt's tempi are brisk. Yet his conducting does not yield extraordinary performances. Much to my surprise, his interpretations aren't nearly as revolutionary as those for his critically acclaimed Beethoven symphony cycle with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe or his intriguing Brahms symphony cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic. Yet I do recommend this CD if you're interested in hearing Schumann's scores performed by a superb chamber orchestra. Otherwise, my primary recommendations are Kubelik's and Masur's recordings, with those by Bernstein and Thielemann also commendable. The sound quality is excellent, up to Teldec's superb standards."

Magnificient!! Get it!

Iyer | Bethesda, MD | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I came to Schumann's symphonies late (not the Spring, which I listened to and loved in a viscerally exciting performance by conductor-whose-name-escapes-me) via Sawallisch's wonderfully crafted set. I've been particularly interested in the 2nd symphony in the last few months because it seems to me a work that is forever skirting the penumbra of greatness. Frustratingly, I could not fathom why. Was it perhaps because the adagio takes such expression that it wrenches itself away from the rest of the symphony, and leaves what remains poorer? And why is that brilliantly enigmatic scherzo so fragmentary, somehow incomplete?



I use up so many words because this present recording like few I have heard lifted the veil from over my eyes. This is a dazzlingly illuminating performance of the second (I have not yet heard the first, so cannot comment). Harnoncourt's performances are most usually reviewed in terms of cliches (idiosyncratic, eccentric, tautly performed, etc, etc). Banish all that! I can only say that this is a great feat of intellectual vision. Harnoncourt brings a profound insight and artistic conception to this work. It is, of course, played with deep commitment and understanding by this vastly under-rated orchestra.



An absolutely essential recording!"