Search - Dvorak, Schubert, Dresden :: Symphony 8 / Symphony 6

Schubert's C major Symphonies

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 11/05/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having just experienced Herbert Blomstedt's deeply moving performance of the Schubert Great C Major Symphony No. 9 followed by Blomstedt's co-conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, Jonathan Nott, conduct the Little C major Symphony No. 6, it is interesting to return to this older recording of the Little C major by Blomstedt for comparison.



First of all Blomstedt is conducting the Dresden Staatskapelle here in a sparkling reading of the Dvorak 8th and serves the work well indeed. But the reason for returning to this recording, now some 10+ years old, is to re-think the Schubert 6th. For an ardent devotee of Schubert's chamber music, especially his indescribably beautiful and haunting lieder, this listener has never been quite as swept away by the composer's symphonies. Treasonous as that may sound, the symphonies seem to lack the brevity of complete thoughts well stated that the songs mold so well.



But having confessed that, the 6th seems to be the most underrated of the master's symphonic output and for reasons that are elusive. There is much delicate woodwind play here, sonorous brass passages, and interplay among the four sections of strings that make this work endlessly interesting to hear. Even better than Blomstedt in this symphony is Jonathan Nott, his colleague, who simply unravels all the intricacies in the most intimate of ways. So perhaps this is a sea change. For others who may have similar responses to these works, pay close attention to this recording. It is very good. Grady Harp, November 06

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An outstanding issue

Larry VanDeSande | Mason, Michigan United States | 08/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was my first Herbert Blomstedt CD after reading about him for years as director of the San Francisco Symphony. If every meeting with him is going to be on such an exalted level at this, I will get to know his work much better.



This is an outstanding CD in every way. The Dvorak symphony bubbles with life without being driven to dramatic frenzy. He pushes the first movement at a brisk pace but it never seems out of control or overdramatic. The fun, life and humor of this symphony are always on display in Blomstedt's hands.



The Schubert symphony is equally successful and just as well-played by the Dresden musicians. While not Schubert's greatest orchestral work, this is a highly Viennese reading, especially in the repeating ostinato phrases of the finale where a lot of conductors meltdown into mediocrity. Blomstedt manages to find life in these overstatements while creating a denouement filled with life, energy and charm that fits in well with his Viennese approach.



I have found myself enjoying this CD more each time I play it, a sure sign that the greatness of the interpretations and playing go well beyond the surface attraction. The joys of this CD are many and the faults few. If this is a pairing that seems attractive to you, don't hesitate to acquire this splended issue."

A fabulous Dvorak 8

Matthew Vaughan | Palo Alto, CA United States | 05/16/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Blomstedt seems to have an affinity for this particular symphony, and it shows in this recording. Speldidly played by the Staatskapelle Dresden with the appropriate fire and even a good stab at true Czech flavor. This is my favorite Dvorak 8 (and the only Dvorak Blomstedt has recorded).The Schubert 6 is also not bad, but neither is it of the same caliber--it seems a bit dull to me. I find I rarely keep the CD on after the Dvorak is done. (3 stars for the Schubert.) But the CD is worth it for the Dvoark alone."