Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Michael Halasz, Failoni Orchestra :: Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2

Fine sound from Naxos, and great playing from the Failoni Or

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 12/07/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Halasz's recording of Schubert's Symphonies 1 and 2 offer the listeners great sound from Naxos, and excellent playing from the Failoni Orchestra. Don't let the budget price or lack of a big name conductor scare you away from this one.

Halasz's Schubert is a bargain, and if it lacks the last degree of elegance and grace of Beecham (EMI), or playing of Bohm's Berlin Philharmonic (DG), it is still very fine in it's own right.



The Failoni Orchestra, a Budapest ensemble, plays very well, and is well miked by Naxos' engineers. The Failoni Orchestra play modern instruments, but are a large chamber orchestra. Allegro tempos are quite fast, and repeats are taken liberally (not, however in the Da Capo of the Minuet movements, thankfully!). Some listeners may object to the fast tempo Minuets, taken in a fast 3, or slow 1 (subdivided into 3) meter.

Those used to Bohm or Beecham in these works may not like the faster minuets Halasz conducts. However, I can listen to these works either way, and Halasz is well recorded and played, so I recommend it.



Listeners wishing to get their money's worth can rest assured of doing so with Halasz's Schubert 1 and 2. I can recommend this definitely above Goodman/Hanover Band (Nimbus, with complete Schubert Symphonies) and on a par with Barenboim/Berlin (CBS), Beecham/Royal Philharmonic (Sony UK, MONO) and Bohm/Berlin (DG, with Symphonies 4-6,8 and 9)."

Engaging

David Saemann | 02/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is absolutely splendid Schubert. I have the Beecham LP of these symphonies, and I would have to say Halasz is in the same league--plus he takes several repeats that Beecham omits. Schubert conducting is mainly about tempo and balances, which Halasz has complete mastery of. Tempos are slightly fast, but the orchestra's articulation is splendid and there is a sense of repose when needed. I can't praise the sonority of the performances enough; Schubert has his own sound world, which Halasz partakes of fully. Don't let the low price dissuade you; I have never heard better Schubert."