Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Franz Konwitschny, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra :: Schubert: Symphony 9

Infectious Schubert!

Jeffrey Lipscomb | Sacramento, CA United States | 05/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This bubbling, rather lightweight but lovable rendition of the Schubert 9th has been a particular favorite of mine since it first appeared on a Parliament LP. While the magnificent Furtwangler/BPO on DG remains the greatest account I have ever heard of this symphony's "heavenly lengths," this Konwitschny/Czech Phil. is a very cheerful alternative. It features particularly droll playing by the Czech winds.Franz Konwitschny (1902-62) was also a distinguished conductor of Bruckner, Beethoven and Wagner. According to John L. Holmes' invaluable "Conductors On Record" (1982), Konwitschny was known among his players as "Konwhiskey" - he was said to drink six bottles of champagne before conducting performances of "Tristan und Isolde." During his performances of Wagner operas, he would take out his handkerchief to wipe his brow, and then wave with it to friends in the audience. A real character!Konwitschny left a great many recordings. Many regard his Beethoven Violin Concerto with Suk as a great reading, but I find it just too slow. If I were to pick two truly great readings to remember him by, this Schubert 9th and his stunning Beethoven 7th (with the Leipzig Gewandhaus on Berlin Classics CD) would be my choices."