Schubert: Symphony No. 9 (8) in C Major, D. 944 "Great" (Live)

Never heard by its composer, discovered by Schumann who praised its “heavenly length,” and premiered under the baton of Mendelssohn, Schubert’s last completed symphony sits on the fault line where Classical form meets Romantic sensibility. It’s a work whose ambition Mariss Jansons well understands: He nicely characterizes its traditionally presented four movements—with the Scherzo full of energy—but also unleashes its forward-looking, visionary message. His Bavarian orchestra plays magnificently, and captures the work’s power as well as its moments of pure melody given us by the great composer.