Rafael Kubelík Schumann: Die 4 Sinfonien - 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
- Andante un poco maestoso –
Allegro molto vivace
- Larghetto
- Scherzo. Molto vivace
- Allegro animato e grazioso
Side B
Symphony No. 4 in D minor op. 120
Symphonie d-Moll
- Ziemlich langsam – Lebhaft
- Romanze. Ziemlich langsam
- Scherzo. Lebhaft – Trio
- Langsam – Lebhaft – Schneller – Presto
LP 2
Side A
Symphony No. 2 in C major op. 61
Symphonie C-Dur
- Sostenuto assai – Allegro, ma non troppo
- Scherzo. Allegro vivace
- Adagio espressivo
Side B
- 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
- Lebhaft
- Scherzo. Sehr mäßig
- Nicht schnell
Side B
- Feierlich
- Lebhaft
Overture from “Manfred” op. 115