Beecham's uniquely wonderful Schubert
Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/20/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These are famous recordings to historical collectors, among the triumphs of Beecham's enormous output on 78s. He had a wonderfully light touch with early Schubert, eliciting warmth and charm from works that were almost totally unplayed in those days. The Sym. #3 from 1938 has the best sound; in Dutton's excellent transfer this could be mistaken for a good mono recording from the early Fifties. The Sym. #6 from the war years (1944) shows a falling off in sound quality, typical of that stressed time in the recording industry, but it's quite listenable. Both are first-choice recordings even by modern standards; Beecham's stereo remakes are also wonderful, for those who insist on modern sound.
The Schubert Unfinished from 1937 is in more limited, boxy sound. Beecham didn't make a specialty of this work, and the reading, though full of nice touches, isn't as special as the earlier symphonies. Even so, it's quite enjoyable. The London Phil. was Beecham's own orchestra, the best in England between the wars, and they play very securely, without a hint of stuffiness. In all, a treasurable collection."