Otto Klemperer - Schubert: Symphonies No. 5, 8 & 9 / Franck: Symphony (1960-1966) [2021 SACD Definition Serie]

"Unfinished" is a work that Klemperer has featured so many times that there are nine different recordings of it during his lifetime, and this 1963 recording for the former EMI, when he was in good condition, created a sense of tension. This is a masterpiece that approaches the listener with its clear handling of motives. Along with the rich-sounding "Great" and No. 5, which is now available on SACD for the first time in the world, we have included the valuable "Frank's Symphony" as a repertoire. Aiming for the highest sound quality under current conditions, the SACD layer and CD layer are mastered separately using a master digitized at 192kHz/24bit from the original analog master tape in Japan. With new explanation. This is a permanent preservation record.
"Unfinished" is a work that Klemperer conducted many times during his lifetime, and there are quite a number of recordings, including live performances. In particular, his live performances with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1966 and the Vienna Philharmonic in 1968 are known as gems, and you can see how much he liked this song. This old EMI sound source was recorded in February 1963 at the age of 77, and although the tempo of the first movement is faster than the aforementioned live performance, the detailed workmanship and composition are superb. ``Great'' is also one of his favorite pieces to perform, and I am impressed by its unusual lyricism, as well as his accurate handling of the contrasts between the song ideas. All of Klemperer's Schubert pieces are exquisite, including the natural flow of the music in "No. 5." And this album includes Frank's "Symphony." Although French music itself is rare, it has already been featured several times during his time as a conductor in the United States, so I feel that this piece, which already had great compositional power, has become even more solid. The recordings themselves are all excellent, with a low center of gravity and reliable reproduction of each instrument's tone.

*As it is a machine translation, the result may not provide an accurate description.
Please use it only as a reference.



Tracks:

Disc 1
1. Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759, "Unfinished"
2. Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C Major, D. 944, "Great"

Disc 2
3. Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485
4. César Franck: Symphony in D Minor, Op. 48

Personnel:

The Philharmonia Orchestra (1-3)
New Philharmonia Orchestra (4)
Conducted by Otto Klemperer

February 4 & 6, 1963 (1), December 16-19, 1960 (2),
May 13, 15 & 16, 1963 (3), Kingsway Hall, London
February 10-12 & 14-15, 1966 (4), No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London