GÁL Symphony No 1 SCHUMANN Symphony No 1
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Hans Gál, Robert Schumann
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Avie
Magazine Review Date: 06/2014
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 61
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: AV2233

Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Symphony No 1 |
Hans Gál, Composer
Hans Gál, Composer Kenneth Woods, Conductor Orchestra of the Swan |
Symphony No. 1, 'Spring' |
Robert Schumann, Composer
Kenneth Woods, Conductor Orchestra of the Swan Robert Schumann, Composer |
Author: Guy Rickards
The four movements follow a conventional pattern with the ‘Burleske’ scherzo placed second. Woods and the Orchestra of the Swan have Gál’s style so completely under their hands now that they sound as if they had been playing this music all their lives. Zehetmair and the Northern Sinfonia set a high benchmark in their pioneering account and it remains a fine account, but the newcomer surpasses it. Compare just the opening bars, where Woods and the Swan players achieve a smoothness of flow to Gál’s opening that leaves Zehetmair’s sounding a tad lacking, or the opening Moderato’s close with its unlikely foreshadowing of Shostakovich. This account is a joy to hear from start to exuberant finish, perfectly paced and superbly played.
The coupling of Schumann’s Spring Symphony is a delight, too. There is no obvious connection between the two works but the Orchestra of the Swan play it as if the pairing were the most natural in the world, giving Zinman and the Tonhalle a real run for their money. Avie’s sound is splendidly balanced, warm and clear. Very strongly recommended.
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