Schubert: Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 [Import]

Franz Schubert (Composer), Günter Wand (Conductor), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Günter Wand
• Composer: Franz Schubert
• Audio CD (September 4, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B000003FYT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #290,183 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Sinfonie Nr. 8 h-moll Symphony No.8 B Minor 'Unvollendete - Unfinished' D 759: Allegro moderato

2. Sinfonie Nr. 8 h-moll Symphony No.8 B Minor 'Unvollendete - Unfinished' D 759: Andante con moto

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 9 C Major 'The Great' D 944: Andante - Allegro ma non troppo

2. Symphony No. 9 C Major 'The Great' D 944: Andante con moto

3. Symphony No. 9 C Major 'The Great' D 944: Scherzo: Allegro vivace

4. Symphony No. 9 C Major 'The Great' D 944: Finale: Allegro vivace

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Günter Wand has recorded, rerecorded, and re-rerecorded this music over and over. He always did it well, and in this particular case, he really has gotten better and better over time. These performances are simply as fine as you are ever likely to hear. They feature excellent playing, and an interpretation that marries a keen ear for detail to an architectural grasp that is second to none. Essential. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surperb Schubert, March 26, 2000

By 

Greg Hales (Vacaville, Ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (Audio CD)

I urge any lovers of Schubert to get this great set of the last 2 Symphonies. Wand and the BPO are beautiful through out. His feeling for phrasing and detail and the BPO peerless ability to respond to a conductor's wishes are put on display. All of this serves Schubert and the music.

As an example listen to the openining of the 9th Symphony. Another example is the 3rd movement of the 9th symphony. The orchestra play the music so naturally. I'm not sure if I have heard the trio better played even by this very orchestra.

Please if your in the market for a Schubert 8/9 Symphonies consider this disc.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning performances!!, May 10, 2004

By 

Deborah Chesky (MA. USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schubert: Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (Audio CD)

I followed the reviewer's advice below. I have no regrets whatsoever. This is definitely among the best 8th & 9th I've ever heard. The 9th is up there with Abbado, Solti with the advantage that the Berlin strings are sooooo wondrously and beautifully sonorous!! The Berliners really play their hearts out for Wand - who is conducting the BPO the first time in 46 years!!! It's a very special occasion. The 8th is gripping from start to finish - Wand is a true servant of the composer.

Very very highly recommended.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutley Stunning, July 25, 2004

By 

Prescott Cunningham Moore (San Francisco, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Schubert: Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (Audio CD)

These two performances are truly a testament not only to Schubert's genius, but also to Gunter Wand's genius as a conductor. Never before have I heard such a well groomed, polished, balanced, and rehearsed performance, even more shocking considering these are live performances. At the same time, these performances sound spontaneous, alive, and vibrant. There are perfect interpretations. Its honestly hard to write a review for this CD because there is so little to say; Wand and the BPO say everything already. This is the definitive Schubert Unfinished and Ninth.