Schumann: The Complete Symphonies

From the majestic brass fanfares which open Symphony No. 1 to the pulsating, adrenaline-fired finale of No. 4, Gustavo Dudamel’s survey of Schumann’s complete symphonies is one of the finest ever put on record. Part of the reason is the outstanding playing of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, where Dudamel was music director from 2009 to 2026. The tautly rhythmic playing in the “Scherzo” of Symphony No. 2, full of sharply etched dynamic detail, is one example among many of the orchestra’s finesse and virtuosity. The same symphony’s poetic, yearningly expressive slow movement shows another side of Schumann. Here the players movingly distil the combination of beguiling lyricism and emotional vulnerability which marks so much of the composer’s music. Binding the performances together is conductor Dudamel, who draws burnished colours from the orchestra and shapes each work compellingly. The excellent sound quality allows extra layers of insight into these deeply empathetic interpretations.