Customer Reviews

Schumann: The Symphonies [Box Set]

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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The recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic were done in 1971 when they were both at peak performance. Listen to the recording of the 4th--very powerful. The adagio in the 2nd symphony is movingly played, yet under a tight rhythic control. The third disc contains the Schumann overture and the 4th symphony played by the Vienna Philharmonic--also a fine performance.

I have tried to collect every CD of which I am aware of Karajan and the Berlin Philarmonic. To me his conducting and the Berlin Philarmonic sound is unsurpassed. I recommend it very much.

I sometimes still hear someone saying that Schumann was not a good orchestrator and that his symphonies have a problem here and there. Obviously if they hear this recording they will realize the masterpieces that the Schumann symphonies are. For me, these symphonies are way more interesting than the ones from Brahms and Schubert.

It is obvious that Karajan really loved Schumann. Every breath on each one of these symphonies is inspired. I tried some other recent recordings to take advantage of the digital sound, but none came close to the drama and lyricism of this recording.

With the exception of 4, Karajan kept his distance from the Schumann symphonies. After a performance of 2, he was heard to say 'never again.' One wonders why: the Rhenish in particular was ideally suited to his craft. Karajan the amateur mountaineer is also to the fore: he aptly distinguishes between the "shoulders" and the true summit in the First. He is also alive to the adrenalin of these works. At the height of their prowess, the Berlin Phil revel in the music. Indubitably, this cycle is the front-runner in the market.

Anyone who once owned the LPs would know that the 1990-ish remastering was mismanaged: they were denuded of their bass. The 1995 remastering of the First Brahms, Schumann: Symphony No. 1 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra demonstrated that the original sonics can be restored in all their glory. While DG have thrown in the 1985 / VPO Fourth (a fine performance) and the Overture, Scherzo and Finale( for what it is worth), it beggars belief that they did not remaster the cycle (and this comment holds true for the Karajan Edition). Their cupidity is palpable. They want to milk the market one more time: us.

In short, this is a repackaging exercise with two additional works thrown in. If you acquire this box, it's an interim purchase at best. The day will surely come when we no longer "look through the glass darkly."