Composer: Robert Schumann
Orchestra: Staatskapelle Dresden
Conductor: Wolfgang Sawallisch
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Warner
Release: 1973/2015
Size: 2.93 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38, ‘Spring’
01. I. Andante poco maestoso – Allegro molto vivace
02. II. Larghetto
03. III. Scherzo (Molto vivace) – Trio I – Trio II
04. IV. Allegro animato e grazioso
Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120
05. I. Ziemlich langsam – Lebhaft
06. II. Romanze (Ziemlich langsam)
07. III. Scherzo (Lebhaft) & Trio
08. IV. Langsam – Lebhaft
Overture, Scherzo and Finale, Op. 52
09. Overture (Andante con moto – Allegro)
10. Scherzo (Vivo)
11. Finale (Allegro molto vivace)
Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61
12. I. Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo
13. II. Scherzo (Allegro vivace) – Trio I – Trio II
14. III. Adagio espressivo
15. IV. Allegro molto vivace
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97, ‘Rhenish’
16. I. Lebhaft
17. II. Scherzo (Sehr mäßig)
18. III. Nicht schnell
19. IV. Feierlich
20. V. Lebhaft
In 1973 the recording of an opera by Wagner, which Wolfgang Sawallisch was to perform in Dresden for Electrola/EMI, was canceled. By mutual agreement, the technical team and the musicians all the same decide to honor the contract and … to engrave the Symphonies of Schumann. This initially negative circumstance will give rise to a recording of breathtaking beauty. Intensity of phrasing, rhythmic flexibility, warmth of the orchestra, everything is masterful here! (Qobuz)
« Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Staatskapelle Dresden make fitting and eloquent interpreters of Schumann’s four symphonies, each a highly distinctive work. The city of Dresden was the composer’s home for six years, while Sawallisch was a keen advocate of his large-scale works. For all the energy and passion that Sawallisch communicates in these performances, he does not impose himself on the music; he is content to illuminate and reinforce Schumann’s inspired, if sometimes idiosyncratic arguments.» (Warner)
« Outstandingly good. I count theses performances of the Schumann Symphonies as among the best things Sawallisch has ever done. The playing of the Staatskapelle Dresden is superlative in every department. Not to be missed.» (Gramophone)