Following on his well-received Beethoven and Mahler recordings, conductor David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich have embarked on a Schubert cycle in the same vein: featuring a fresh look at the score, with historical instruments. The latter factor, beyond a few natural horns, doesn't mark a major sonic shift from modern-instrument recordings, and this pair of symphonies from the middle of Schubert's output is less radical than Zinman's recording of the "Symphony No. 8 in B minor (Unfinished)," which featured some blistering tempos. Nevertheless, this is decidedly unusual Schubert. The "Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485," is a gossamer work; the "Symphony No....
Following on his well-received Beethoven and Mahler recordings, conductor David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich have embarked on a Schubert cycle in the same vein: featuring a fresh look at the score, with historical instruments. The latter factor, beyond a few natural horns, doesn't mark a major sonic shift from modern-instrument recordings, and this pair of symphonies from the middle of Schubert's output is less radical than Zinman's recording of the "Symphony No. 8 in B minor (Unfinished)," which featured some blistering tempos. Nevertheless, this is decidedly unusual Schubert. The "Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485," is a gossamer work; the "Symphony No. 6 in C major, D. 589," a broader piece that seems to point the way to the "Symphony No. 9" in the same key, the "Great" C major symphony. Zinman's aim seems to be to strip away the layers of "Viennese" image that accrued to Schubert by way of retrospective reasoning from Johann Strauss II. His thematic material consists of a series of sharp little attacks, without any concession in the strings to dance rhythms or any phrasing that might suggest them. You'll either find it brisk and bracing or rather unmusical; this is truly a case where your mileage may vary. It may work better in the "Symphony No. 6," where the work's abstract quality snaps into focus. And the sound from RCA Red Seal, recorded in the orchestra's own hall, is very fine. But sample well to see whether you like Schubert that is very far out on the dry side.
Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked,
or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to
Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original
and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you
and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not
violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help
ensure that your review can be posted.
Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13
We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer.
However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or
to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.
What to exclude from your review:
Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the
information on the product page, please send us an email.
Reviews should not contain any of the following:
- HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
- Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
- Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
- Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
- Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
- Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
- Advertisements or commercial solicitation
Reminder:
- By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its
sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the
review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
- Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly
those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com
also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
- See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend
Create a Pen Name
Welcome, penname
You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.
Editorial Reviews
All Music Guide - James Manheim
Following on his well-received Beethoven and Mahler recordings, conductor David Zinman and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich have embarked on a Schubert cycle in the same vein: featuring a fresh look at the score, with historical instruments. The latter factor, beyond a few natural horns, doesn't mark a major sonic shift from modern-instrument recordings, and this pair of symphonies from the middle of Schubert's output is less radical than Zinman's recording of the "Symphony No. 8 in B minor (Unfinished)," which featured some blistering tempos. Nevertheless, this is decidedly unusual Schubert. The "Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485," is a gossamer work; the "Symphony No....