Schumann: The Four Symphonies (180g) (LP4)

LPA

1. Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 38 ‘Spring’, I. Andante un poco maestoso – Allegro molto vivace
2. Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 38 ‘Spring’, II. Larghetto
3. Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 38 ‘Spring’, III. Scherzo (Molto vivace) – Trios I & II

LPB

1. Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major, Op. 38 ‘Spring’, IV. Allegro animato e grazioso
2. Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, I. Sostenuto assai – Allegro ma non troppo

LPC

1. Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, II. Scherzo (Allegro vivace) – Trios I & II
2. Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, III. Adagio espressivo
3. Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, IV. Allegro molto vivace

LPD

1. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Rhenish’, I. Lebhaft
2. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Rhenish’, II. Scherzo (Sehr mäßig)
3. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Rhenish’, III. Nicht schnell

LPE

1. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Rhenish’, IV. Feierlich
2. Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Rhenish’, V. Lebhaft
3. Manfred, Op. 115: Overture

SIDE F

1. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, I. Ziemlich langsam – Lebhaft
2. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, II. Romanze (Ziemlich langsam)

LPG

1. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, III. Scherzo (Lebhaft) & Trio
2. Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, IV. Langsam – Lebhaft – Schneller – Presto

LPH

1. Overture, Op. 52 (Andante con moto – Allegro)
2. Scherzo, Op. 52 (Vivo) & Trio
3. Finale, Op. 52 (Allegro molto vivace)

Wolfgang Sawallisch and the Dresden Staatskapelle make fitting and eloquent interpreters of Schumann’s four symphonies, each a highly distinctive work. The city of Dresden was the composer’s home for six years, while Sawallisch was a keen advocate of his large-scale works. For all the energy and passion that Sawallisch communicates in these performances, he does not impose himself on the music; he is content to illuminate and reinforce Schumann’s inspired, if sometimes idiosyncratic arguments.

“Outstandingly good. I count these performances of the Schumann Symphonies as among the best things Sawallisch has ever done. The playing of the Staatskapelle Dresden is superlative in every department. Not to be missed.” Gramophone

“Sawallisch’s command of each work as an integral whole is powerful enough to silence any remaining doubts about Schumann's ability to cast his ideas in symphonic form.” Gramophone

« Un disque de légende par un orchestre de légende, sous la baguette de Wolfgang Sawallisch qui dirige une belle intégrale historique, puissante et lyrique. » Radio France