Schubert, F.: Symphonies, Vol. 4 - No. 9, "Great"

Chronique

Whether you count it as the Symphony No. 8 (as it is identified on this 2007 Tudor release), or as the Symphony No. 9 (the most widely accepted numbering), the Symphony in C major, D. 944, "Great," is one of the essential masterpieces of classical music, and universally acknowledged as one of Franz Schubert's greatest achievements. This recording by Jonathon Nott and the Bamberger Symphoniker presents the work in multi-channel surround-sound, and the orchestra sounds terrific on this hybrid SACD, with absolutely clear details and a nice feeling of spaciousness and depth. One may quibble with Nott's tempos, which are a little on the brisk side, and complain that the strings are not consistently brilliant in tone and articulation, but these are small matters when compared with the high level of energy and musicality that carry this performance along and make it an enjoyable listening experience. The brass and woodwinds are particularly deserving of praise for their crisp rhythms and distinctive timbres, and the emphasis placed on them, particularly in the Andante con moto, draws attention to Schubert's complex harmonies, which are striking for their tension and dark coloration. This may not be the most profound performance ever given of this work, but Nott and his musicians turn in a respectable performance that is worth hearing for its marvelous sonorities and outstanding reproduction.
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