Schubert: 8 Symphonies; Rosamunde; Grand Duo

Claudio Abbado’s 1988 recording of Schubert’s symphonies with a young Chamber Orchestra of Europe was something of a watershed moment. Lither, trimmer and more agile than much of what had often gone before, these Chamber Orchestra of Europe performances have a warmth and vigour that have completely stood the test of time. Abbado also used a new edition of these symphonies and there are numerous, though often quite small, changes to phrasing and rhythm, as well as the occasional opening out of small cuts made by later editors (Brahms included). Speeds are often quite brisk, but that proves no hindrance to the COE players, who often give their more celebrated colleagues in, say, the Berlin Philharmonic a run for their money. There are numerous delights—the Symphony No. 4 “Tragic”, which is powerfully performed, a Fifth that’s full of charm, a beautifully moulded No. 8 “Unfinished” and a No. 6 in C of surprising energy and authority. The overture to Rosamunde and Joseph Joachim’s fine orchestration of the Grand Duo piano duet are thoughtful additions to this exciting collection of Schubert’s work.