Schumann's 4th symphony
Posted by: Michael_B. on 13 November 2006
I have two recordings of this: Furtwangler's and Karajan's. Both are interpretations that in many ways hinge on struggle and triumph. Can anyone recommend a more reflective, lyrical interpretation?
Many thanks in advance,
Michael
Many thanks in advance,
Michael
Posted on: 13 November 2006 by u5227470736789439
Kubelic on Sony, which used to be CBS.
Lovely peotical readings of all four of them.
Sawalisch is slightly tougher than Kubelic, but the issue less a question of Titanic struggle as in Furtwangler's vision [of the Fourth, and I don't care at all for his reading of the First, on Decca].
I don't understand Karajan's ideas on Schumann, but that is just me.
My favourites are the marvelous set recorded in primitive early stereo by the LPO under Boult for Pye, but sadly these have long since been unobtainable. If you are really interested in these send me an email [address in Profile] as they are priceless. The readings are less romantic than any cited so far, and bring out the inner arguement in the music by being so incredibly clear as to musical balance and through wonderfully subtle and resiliently rhythmic playing. The strength of Schumann's conception in every case in the gain here, rather than the strength of individuality of the conductor's personality, which even in Kubelic's case is somewhat less selfless than Boult's readings. A miriad of unrealised details emerge from the very score, rather than some specific personal view of it. Boult lets the music speak for itself, and one realises it is strong enough to do so! Of course, to achieve this result requires the most comprehensive understanding of the music, as the vision stems from the very music, comprehended, and then not imposed upon.
Fredrik
Lovely peotical readings of all four of them.
Sawalisch is slightly tougher than Kubelic, but the issue less a question of Titanic struggle as in Furtwangler's vision [of the Fourth, and I don't care at all for his reading of the First, on Decca].
I don't understand Karajan's ideas on Schumann, but that is just me.
My favourites are the marvelous set recorded in primitive early stereo by the LPO under Boult for Pye, but sadly these have long since been unobtainable. If you are really interested in these send me an email [address in Profile] as they are priceless. The readings are less romantic than any cited so far, and bring out the inner arguement in the music by being so incredibly clear as to musical balance and through wonderfully subtle and resiliently rhythmic playing. The strength of Schumann's conception in every case in the gain here, rather than the strength of individuality of the conductor's personality, which even in Kubelic's case is somewhat less selfless than Boult's readings. A miriad of unrealised details emerge from the very score, rather than some specific personal view of it. Boult lets the music speak for itself, and one realises it is strong enough to do so! Of course, to achieve this result requires the most comprehensive understanding of the music, as the vision stems from the very music, comprehended, and then not imposed upon.
Fredrik
Posted on: 13 November 2006 by Michael_B.
Dear Fredrick,
many thanks for your recommendations.
You kave mail!
Cheers
Mike
many thanks for your recommendations.
You kave mail!
Cheers
Mike
Posted on: 13 November 2006 by Todd A
More reflective and lyrical? Rafael Kubelik's CBS/Sony recording should do the trick.
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Posted on: 30 November 2006 by AWS
I just received the DG recording of Furtwangler's conducting of Schumann's 4th. The opening bars took my breath away even though it was recorded in mono (1953). It is coupled with Haydn's 88th symphony (1951) and is also impressive. I'll have to seek out Rafael Kubelik's CBS/Sony version of Schumann's 4th and compare.
Posted on: 04 December 2006 by Michael_B.
Many thanks to Fredrik, I have been able to do some comparisons. The Boult is wonderful and so is the Kubelik, but in different ways. Boult plays less with dramatic contrasts. Although his customary magisterial style is in evidence, generating a constant surging flow, his interpretation is also characterised by an understated delicacy that sets it at the other end of the spectrum from Furtwangler. This in many ways makes it more reflective and insightful - and I write that as an admirer of Furtwangler. The Kubelik is also very fine. These are not either/or performances, any of them.
Cheers
Mike
Cheers
Mike
Posted on: 05 December 2006 by u5227470736789439
Dear Michael,
Your comments on the Boult, Kubelik, and Furtwangler sets absolutely chime with my own experiences of these readings. Ceratinly each bring added insight, and should be considered as being parallel and enjoyable surveys rather than one being "the best one." It's lovely music isn't it?!
ATB from Fredrik
Your comments on the Boult, Kubelik, and Furtwangler sets absolutely chime with my own experiences of these readings. Ceratinly each bring added insight, and should be considered as being parallel and enjoyable surveys rather than one being "the best one." It's lovely music isn't it?!
ATB from Fredrik
Posted on: 06 December 2006 by Earwicker
quote:Originally posted by Todd Arola:
More reflective and lyrical? Rafael Kubelik's CBS/Sony recording should do the trick.
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Seconded. Although I love the Karajan...
EW
Posted on: 07 December 2006 by u5227470736789439
Isn't it nice to be agreed with on occasion! Thanks EW and Todd! Kindest regards from Fredrik