Classical Music: Schubert: Symphonies Volume 4

Schubert: Symphonies Volume 4

Die Forelle (arr. Britten); Romanze;Erlkönig (arr. Berlioz); Geheimes (arr. Brahms); Im Abendrot (arr. Reger)'
Symphony No. 9.
Mary Bevan (soprano)
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Edward Gardner

Chandos CHSA 5354
Chandos.net

Gardner and the CBSO bring their outstanding Schubert cycle to a triumphant conclusion with the composer's monumental Ninth Symphony, complemented by a delightful collection of orchestrated songs.

The centrepiece of this recording is Schubert's 'Great' Symphony No. 9 in C major, his final completed symphony composed between 1813 and 1818. The nickname 'Great' may have originally distinguished it from the 'little' C major Symphony (No. 6), but it aptly describes this expansive work that can stretch to nearly an hour in performance.

Scholars attribute Schubert's return to symphonic form after a hiatus to a rejuvenating holiday in the Austrian Alps with friends, following a period when illness had seemingly dampened his confidence as a symphonist.

Edward Gardner navigates the notorious challenges of this symphony with remarkable assurance. His consistent approach yields a performance of exceptional quality, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra providing rich textures, perfectly judged pacing, and exquisitely phrased musical lines. Gardner skilfully manages the well-known tricky transition from the opening introduction to the allegro, while the horn section delivers straightforward yet effective playing.

The conductor shapes the movement with particular attention to its characteristic dotted rhythms, building momentum through a masterfully structured development section into a recapitulation that balances excitement with subtle understanding. All orchestral departments excel, with particularly beautiful contributions from the lyrical woodwinds and warm strings, every passage performed with impressive dexterity.

The disc opens with an attractive selection of orchestrated Schubert songs featuring soprano Mary Bevan. One was orchestrated by Schubert himself, while the others are settings by Britten, Berlioz, Brahms, and Reger. These delightful works receive wonderfully light accompaniments from the orchestra, while Bevan performs with flawless command of dynamics and phrasing, bringing sensitive expressive warmth to each piece.

This outstanding release not only captures the special chemistry between Gardner and the CBSO but also serves as a fitting capstone to their acclaimed Schubert cycle. With its perfect balance of scholarly insight and emotional engagement, the recording deserves a place in any serious classical collection.