Schumann: The 4 Symphonies - Rafael Kubelik

Deutsche Grammophon presents a limited 3 LP edition of Rafael Kubelík's revered Schumann symphony cycle, remastered from the original analog sources, pressed on 180g vinyl. In 1963, the start of this cycle marked Rafael Kubelík’s debut recording for Deutsche Grammophon. It is a testimony to Kubelík’s human qualities that he was able to achieve in a short time such a close rapport with the Berlin players. This Schumann cycle is a revelation. Kubelík shows that, with a lightness of touch, the composer’s much maligned orchestration can be made to work and that these scores need not sound turgid and square-cut. He brings a spring-like freshness and vitality to the music with beautifully judged tempi, keeping it moving forward while at the same time revealing its poetic songfulness, joyfulness and nobility. The Berlin Philharmonic respond enthusiastically with magnificent playing. No wonder these  exemplary recordings have held their place against all newcomers.

Tracklist:

LP 1

Side A

Symphony No. 1 in B flat major “Spring” op. 38

»Frühlings-Symphonie« B-Dur

1. Andante un poco maestoso –

Allegro molto vivace

1. Larghetto
2. Scherzo. Molto vivace
3. Allegro animato e grazioso

Side B

Symphony No. 4 in D minor op. 120

Symphonie d-Moll

1. Ziemlich langsam – Lebhaft
2. Romanze. Ziemlich langsam
3. Scherzo. Lebhaft – Trio
4. Langsam – Lebhaft – Schneller – Presto

LP 2

Side A

Symphony No. 2 in C major op. 61

Symphonie C-Dur

1. Sostenuto assai – Allegro, ma non troppo
2. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
3. Adagio espressivo

Side B

1. Allegro molto vivace

Overture from “Genoveva” op. 81

LP 3

Side A

Symphony No. 3 in E flat major “Rhenish” op. 97

»Rheinische« Symphonie Es-Dur

1. Lebhaft
2. Scherzo. Sehr mäßig
3. Nicht schnell

Side B

1. Feierlich
2. Lebhaft

Overture from “Manfred” op. 115