Customer Reviews

Louis Spohr: Symphonies 3 & 10 [Hybrid SACD]

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Being a fan of Spohr's symphonies in general, and of the Third Symphony in particular, this new recording is a delight. It compares very favorably to Gerd Albrecht's earlier excellent recording of the Third with the Radio Symphonie Orchester Berlin (on Schwann). This symphony's influence on Mendelssohn (particularly on his "Scottish" Symphony) and Schumann cannot be underestimated in terms of sound and structure.

The previously unrecorded Tenth Symphony is also a wonderful addition to the Spohr discography. Far more satisfying than his Ninth Symphony, it's a shame the composer wished the score withheld from publication. It clearly shows his creative powers were fully present near the end of his life.

Eduard Hanslick lamented the neglect Spohr's music suffered after the composer's death. It's very satisfying to see the composer's ouevre returning to us in recorded form as well as in the concert hall. With a complete orchestral cycle now underway from CPO, we fans of 19th century German symphonic music have a great deal to look forward to. Griffiths and the NDR Radiophilharmonie perform flawlessly and are beautifully captured by CPO's recording team.

Excellent recording and highly recommended.

I purchased this disc because I really like Spohr's 3rd Clarinet Concerto. This one does not measure up at all! I'll be throwing it out soon and deleting it from my iPod list.