Mackerras' Great Interpretations of Schubert's 8th & 9th
John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 04/08/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This splendid recording is an excellent testament to musical scholarship and performance at its finest. Mackerras leads the Scottish Chamber Orchestra in a spirited, consistently fine performance of Schubert's "Great" C Major (9th) Symphony noted for the steady, even tempi of its movements. Mackerras does a great job emphasizing the score's complex architecture without losing sight of its elegantly melodic qualities; sadly most performances I've heard live or recorded have tended to emphasize either the score's architecture or melodies, not both simultaneously (A classic case in point is Haitink's interpretation with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra which I heard last month at Carnegie Hall; Haitink was much more interested in the score's lyrical qualities.). Mackerras' deferrence to Schubert's original intentions, most notably with the opening horn solo of the 1st movement, makes much sense, especially in the transitions from pianissimo to forte (soft to loud) throughout the score. My only minor criticism is that the orchestra's performance of the fourth movement didn't sound as vibrant as the Vienna Philharmonic's (That may be due to the fact that waltz music is quite familiar to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra; Schubert alludes to this Viennese music in this movement.); otherwise the level of musicianship is identical. Mackerras' interpretation of the 8th "Unfinished" Symphony is equally inspired, and rewarded with lush, warm playing from the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Certainly both performances have to be regarded as the definitive versions of these symphonies. I own and admire greatly Mackerras' period instrument versions with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment, but the Scottish Chamber Orchestra's playing sounds a bit warmer and more inspired. Telarc's sound quality is absolutely first rate."
A Great Moment in Schubert
Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 07/05/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"With this CD, Sir Charles gives us, the listeners, a fresh new take on these two masterpieces. It features all of Mackerras' usual trademarks: an unbelievable tightness and clarity of sound as well as a rich yet controlled emotionalism--an earlier reviewer said that the finale of the "Great" symphony will "explode out of your speakers" or something to that effect, and that reviewer is right. The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is up to the task, responding with a nimble quickness that is paradoxically light and powerful at the same time; the players produce a rich, dark sound while at the same time staying together and keeping everything up-tempo. Part of this is the prominent role given to the brass, which sound more "natural" (i.e., period instrument type) than on other recordings; however, here as in many other Telarc recordings, the balance between instrument families is as close to perfect as it could possibly be. Overall, Mackerras and the SCO give these two recordings a grandiose, bravura feeling that's very rarely found anywhere else. I have only two minor complaints. One is that Mackerras tends to rush through the endings of movements, keeping the drama of the music from reaching its absolute, fullest potential (though it comes darn close). Also, stylistically the music doesn't feel as Viennese as on other Schubert recordings I've heard, and perhaps more than any other composer, Schubert needs to feel Viennese. In particular, the first movement of the Unfinished Symphony as it's recorded here doesn't seem to be a lamentation as much as an outburst. The Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, strangely enough, did a better job ensuring that these symphonies were stylistically correct. However, if Mackerras occasionally sacrifices style for raw power, that's a small, small quibble with a CD that's otherwise so technically precise and passionate with such wonderful sound quality. In short, while this CD may not provide the "classic" or "definitive" interpretation of these two symphonies, it gives us a new take on said symphonies that's excellently done from start to finish, and definitely worth a place in any music lover's library."
Definitely Great!
D. Seymour | Atlanta, GA USA | 05/01/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Schubert's Symphony No. 9 is written on such a grand scale and full of such bravado that you cannot help but be inspired to conquer a small country while listening to it. Sir Charles Mackerras brings dedicated restraint into line with optimum tempo and the result is momentous. You will wish you were conducting yourself! The orchestra is an hybrid mix of modern instruments and natural horns. The effect is splendid on the ear and actually balances quite well. The Scherzo is thunderous and the Finale will stampede from your speakers. The "Unfinished" symphony is plaintive and actually seems quite remorseful. It is lovingly rendered here just after the 9th. So you will have to wipe the big smile off your face and reach for your hankie. Telarc captures all the nuances in shining clarity. You will not want to miss this recording!"
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1