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Schubert: Symphony No. 10 and Other Unfinished Symphonies
Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Charles Mackerras, Brian Newbould
Schubert: Symphony No. 10 and Other Unfinished Symphonies
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #1

Schubert almost composed three symphonies (aside from the official "Unfinished" symphony) that exist in varying stages of completion. Many musicologists have had a hand in arranging them for performances, and this fine dis...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Charles Mackerras, Brian Newbould, Scottish Chamber Orchestra
Title: Schubert: Symphony No. 10 and Other Unfinished Symphonies
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: Hyperion UK
Release Date: 10/14/1997
Album Type: Import
Genre: Classical
Style: Symphonies
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 034571170008

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Schubert almost composed three symphonies (aside from the official "Unfinished" symphony) that exist in varying stages of completion. Many musicologists have had a hand in arranging them for performances, and this fine disc offers what must be the best selection on disc of these tantalizing bits and pieces. For anyone interested in this composer, this disc will be self-recommending. --David Hurwitz
 

CD Reviews

Symphonic Life Beyond the Great C Major
07/12/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"If, like me, you think Schubert's Ninth Symphony is the capstone of the symphony in the Classical Era, pointing forward as it does to the Viennese symphonic school as represented by Bruckner, Mahler, et al., you may be disappointed to find there is an unfinished Schubert symphony postdating this towering achievement. But give Brian Newbold's completion of the Tenth Symphony a listen. Through Newbold's capable hands and ears, it emerges as real Schubert, with a sober, reflective slow movement a la the Ninth--and just about as effective--and a majestic first movement that features a singing second melody that only Schubert could have penned. Comparing Mackerras' tempo in this movement with that of Marriner in an out-of-print recording, I find the Scotsman's tempo to be a trifle slow, but then again Mackerras truly draws the maestoso out of this Allegro maestoso. He's abetted by some wonderfully characterful playing by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and what seems a well-nigh perfect recording, lending great impact to the prominent brass. This includes a choir of trombones that intone a beautiful, sad chorale--recalling the operatic Schubert--toward the end of first movement development section. The third and last movement is an unusual scherzo-cum-finale Schubert would probably have developed further, but it is sprightly and appealing in this performance.The disc features two other incomplete D major symphonies; the sketches for all of these works were found in a single folder in the Schubert archives. The first work, completed in 1818, is slight and shows little advance over Schubert's youthful first six symphonies; this one is very reminiscent of the lilting Sixth Symphony. The other symphony, dating from 1820/21, is an altogether more emotionally charged work showing Beethoven's influence. And it contains the single complete movement in either of these works, a scherzo that was later recycled as the Herculean scherzo of the Ninth Symphony. In all, this disc is a fascinating document for Schubertians, and given Mackerras' sure hand, the very capable playing of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and some of the best sound ever lavished on a Schubert symphony recording, I give it a strong recommendation."
Interesting, but not the only version of "No. 10"
Paul S. Rottenberg | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 05/13/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Listeners may find it interesting that Riccardo Chailly has recorded a very fine performance of Lucianno Berio's "Rendering for Orchestra" on Decca,which is his reconstruction of this Schubert fragment for a symphony in D, called "Symphony No. 10." When you compare these two versions (keeping in mind the radically different method Berio uses), you'll be rewarded with coming much closer to the mind of the composer.

By the way, the sketch for D. 708 is given a much better performance by Neville Marriner on his Phillips CD including the Symphony in B Minor."
Where Schubert was going
D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 04/10/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have had a longtime interest in music that composers have left unfinished and has subsequently been put into a performance edition. Often, the realization is very successful as with Mahler's Tenth Symphony and Elgar's Third. I would also include this disc of unfinished symphonies of Franz Schubert.



The three works on this disc are all in D major, which was a key Schubert was fond of using, and exist in piano sketches. Initially, the manuscripts, all found in the same folio, were thought to be a single work but close examination of the manuscript paper watermarks has shown the sketches were not one but three symphonies. The works were assigned Deutsch numbers with the earliest of the fragments from 1818, written just after the Sixth Symphony. These are brief fragments (with a performance time of just over 7 minutes) that provide hints about the contemplated work. The next symphony (D708A) comes from 1820-21 with the Scherzo existing in an almost completed state (about 8 minutes) with the other three movements together just about as long.



The most substantive of the sketches is the Symphony No. 10 (D 936A but should be D985C) that Schubert was writing up to the day of his death and represents his final thoughts on the symphonic form. At over 29 minutes this is an impressive realization that shows the maturity of the composer's music. While listening to the music I was struck by similarities to Brahms but only just; Schubert's voice shines through the three movements. The first movement opens with a distinctive fanfare-like theme and develops an interesting lyrical melody that is passed between various instruments, then returns to the fanfare-like theme for development. The second movement opens with a reflective melody for the woodwinds that gradually develops into a stately mood for the horns that sounds much like music for a procession. The music continues in a gently reflective mood. The booklet suggests tat the second movement looks forward to Mahler but this is pushing the idea; for me, again, there is more of Schumann and Brahms to the music, however, this is only an impression. The final movement begins with an energetic dance melody played by strings and woodwinds and gradually build brining in the horns followed by more and more instruments of the orchestra.



The music is highly interesting and well-played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras. The music is certainly of more than pure academic interest and is very appealing and thought provoking. I would also be interested in hearing the unfinished Seventh Symphony (D 729) that Schubert wrote in full score. The booklet is very informative and has several photographs of Schubert's birthplace.





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