Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 (Re-Orchestrated by G. Mahler)

Album review

American conductor Marin Alsop continues her complete recording of Robert Schumann’s symphonies at the head of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, where she has a permanent post. Recorded in 2020 in the famous Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein, this new album is devoted to Symphonies No.3 and 4. It focuses on Gustav Mahler’s re-orchestration since it was long considered fashionable to regard Schumann as a poor orchestrator. Mahler’s revised version has already been recorded by Riccardo Chailly. However, the flamboyant complete work was performed in Dresden by Wolfgang Sawallisch with all the composer’s original orchestration, thus becoming a reference within the repertoire. 

Of course, you would have to examine the two orchestrations closely to fully grasp what Gustav Mahler changed. His main aim was to do Schumann ‘a favour’ by lightening what he considered too dense and bringing out the themes and dynamics. The hundreds of changes he made to each of the symphonies are hardly noticeable to the naked ear.

What stands out most when listening to this new version is the vitality that Marin Alsop gives to the piece. She embraces Schumann’s endless lyricism by refusing ever to restrain it, even if that means leading it towards its conclusion like a wild horse. © François Hudry/Qobuz

Details of original recording : <p>Recorded 18-23 October 2020 at Muikverein &amp; ORF Funkhaus Studio 6, Vienna (Austria)</p>