Zsolt Kallo, Capella Savaria, Nicholas McGegan - Schubert: Symphony No. 5 and Works for Violin & Orchestra (2016)

For this 2016 Hungaroton release by Nicholas McGegan and the chamber orchestra Capella Savaria, four works by Franz Schubert are given bright and energetic performances in authentic Classical style on original instruments or modern copies. Indeed, the period presentation is so convincing, casual listeners might confuse these pieces with the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Schubert's chief influence before Ludwig van Beethoven overtook his imagination. Schubert's Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D. 485 receives vigorous treatment by this brilliant Hungarian ensemble, while the playing of concertmaster Zsolt Kalló gives the Concert Piece in D major, D. 345, the Rondo in A major, D. 438, and the Polonaise in B flat major, D. 580 a distinctly personal feeling, with the violin solos placed quite forward in the stereo mix. Hungaroton's recording is transparent and detailed, and even though the sound is conventional digital, its depth and presence are close to audiophile quality.