Herbert von Karajan - Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5-6, 8-9 (1975-1978) [2026 2xSACD]

The cycle of Franz Schubert’s symphonies recorded by Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic in the late 1970s (originally for EMI) remains an essential staple of the catalogue. The recordings capture the Berlin “signature sound” of that era: a silky legato and incomparable orchestral fluidity, impressive power in the brass and percussion, and a spacious recording quality achieved within the generous acoustics of the Berlin Philharmonie.

It is in the final two symphonies, that Karajan’s conducting fully flourishes. In the “Unfinished” Symphony, the Austrian conductor excels at establishing a mysterious and tragic atmosphere. The “Great” Symphony is undoubtedly the jewel of the cycle, where Karajan maintains a constant rhythmic pulse without ever sacrificing the plastic beauty of the sound, and the finale being a true demonstration of controlled power.

This set stands as a testament to a golden age of conducting, where sonic luxury served a monumental architectural vision of Schubert’s music.


Tracks:

Disc 1
Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, D. 485
01. I. Allegro (7:09)
02. II. Andante con moto (9:36)
03. III. Menuetto: Allegro molto - Trio (5:40)
04. IV. Allegro vivace (5:53)
Symphony No. 6 in C major, D. 589
05. I. Adagio - Allegro (7:55)
06. II. Andante (7:21)
07. III. Scherzo: Presto - Trio: Più lento (6:53)
08. IV. Allegro moderato (11:40)
Rosamunde, Op. 26, D. 797
09. Overture from "Die Zauberharfe", D. 644 (12:05)
10. Ballet Music No. 1: Allegro moderato (7:57


Disc 2
Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D. 759
01. I. Allegro moderato (11:59)
02. II. Andante con moto (13:43)
Symphony No. 9 in C major, D. 944 "The Great"
03. I. Andante - Allegro ma non troppo (13:00)
04. II. Andante con moto (13:14)
05. III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace - Trio (14:17)
06. IV. Finale: Allegro vivace (12:00)
Rosamunde, Op. 26, D. 797
07. Ballet Music No. 2: Andantino (7:53)

Personnel:

Berliner Philharmoniker
Herbert von Karajan, conductor