Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works Vol. II

Holliger brings amazing textural clarity to the composer's orchestration without ever sacrificing the expressive intensity of the musical argument. The Cologne orchestra responds superbly with... — BBC Music Magazine, November 2014, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 28th Jul 2014
Catalogue No: AUDITE97678
Label: Audite
Series: Schumann Complete Symphonic Works
Length: 66 minutes

Usually despatched in 3 - 4 working days

Schumann: Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61

Work length36:10

$9.00

$11.65

WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
Heinz Holliger

I. Sostenuto assai

Track length12:01

$3.00

$3.85

II. Scherzo. Allegro vivace

Track length7:03

$2.00

$2.60

III. Adagio espressivo

Track length8:26

$2.00

$2.60

IV. Allegro molto vivace

Track length8:40

$2.00

$2.60

Schumann: Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97 'Rhenish'

Work length30:35

$6.00

$7.80

WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
Heinz Holliger

I. Lebhaft

Track length8:58

$2.00

$2.60

II. Scherzo. Sehr mäßig

Track length5:40

$1.00

$1.30

III. Nicht schnell

Track length5:08

$1.00

$1.30

IV. Feierlich

Track length5:04

$1.00

$1.30

V. Lebhaft

Track length5:45

$1.00

$1.30

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About

With this CD, Audite present the second volume in their complete recording of Robert Schumann‘s orchestral works. The series includes all the symphonies (with both versions of the Fourth) as well as all the overtures and concertos. The Second and Third Symphonies, according to the usual numbering, passed through contrasting histories of reception.

Whereas the ‘Rhenish’ remained relatively popular, the C major Symphony was received by contemporaries as trend-setting, but receded into the background from the late nineteenth century onwards. At this time, criticism was primarily levelled at its instrumentation, which had still been praised after its premiere.

Heinz Holliger and the WDR Symphony Orchestra have recorded the works with an orchestra of the same size that was available to Schumann. In so doing, they not only uncover the sonic ideal of the composer, but also its consistent and convincing realisation. Holliger‘s performances draw on a lifetime study of Schumann‘s music, thought, personality and fate. His approach imparts lightness and lucidity to these opulent scores through a hierarchical balance of parts, delicately gradated dynamics and invigorating tempos. The widespread image of this romantic composer as a weak orchestrator receives a refreshing and well-grounded correction.

Reviews

November 2014

Holliger brings amazing textural clarity to the composer's orchestration without ever sacrificing the expressive intensity of the musical argument. The Cologne orchestra responds superbly with beautifully nuanced playing.

October 2014

this disc is beautifully recorded, the woodwind favoured just a degree over the strings, allowing their solos to sing out. Brass too, are given their head, which is especially important in both these works. The WDR SO is a full-size Romantic orchestra with slightly reduced string for these performances, a opposed to the chamber bands that are increasingly claiming this music as their own.

Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works Vol. II

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