Description
Timeless Melodies: Herbert Blomstedt Conducts Schubert's Majestic Symphonies Nos. 8 & 9 (2 CD)
UPC: 0028948630455
MPN: 486 3045
Brand Name: Deutsche Grammophon
Overview: A Conductor's Vision of Schubert’s Final Masterworks
This highly anticipated 2-CD set presents two of Franz Schubert's most profound and moving symphonies, the Symphony No. 8 in B minor "Unfinished" (D 759) and the Symphony No. 9 in C major "Great" (D 944). This recording marks the extraordinary Deutsche Grammophon debut of the venerable Swedish conductor, Herbert Blomstedt, in his mid-90s, alongside the world-renowned Gewandhausorchester Leipzig. Blomstedt, a former Gewandhauskapellmeister, revisits these final symphonic statements with an orchestra whose heritage is intimately linked to the works, offering an interpretation steeped in profound wisdom and historical performance insight. The album beautifully captures the sublime melodies and structural grandeur of Schubert, providing an essential addition for collectors seeking definitive classical CD recordings of Romantic symphonies.
Product Features
- Format: 2 Audio CDs
- Genre: Classical Music / Symphony
- Style: Romantic
- Total Length: Approx. 87 minutes (CD 1: 25:54, CD 2: 1:01:29)
- Composition Dates: Symphony No. 8 (1822); Symphony No. 9 (1825–1828)
- Orchestra: Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
- Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt
- Recording Date: November 2021
- Release Date: July 8, 2022
- Packaging: Standard Jewel Case (or equivalent 2-CD packaging)
- Catalogue Number: 486 3045
Interesting Facts
Herbert Blomstedt, who turned 95 shortly after the album's release, is celebrated as one of the world's longest-serving and most vital conductors. His relationship with the Gewandhausorchester is deep-seated, having served as its Kapellmeister from 1998 to 2005, and now holding the title of Conductor Laureate. This project was a highly personal choice for his DG debut, with Blomstedt stating that for him, Schubert "had a direct line to heaven." The conductor's approach to this recording utilizes the New Schubert Edition scores, which reinstate key dissonances in the Eighth Symphony's opening movement—passages that were previously "smoothed out" by earlier editors like Brahms—offering a freshly illuminated and highly authentic reading of the composer's intentions. The Gewandhausorchester holds a unique historical connection to the music, as they gave the posthumous premiere of the Symphony No. 9 "Great" in 1839, under the direction of Felix Mendelssohn.
Track Listing
CD I (Total Time: 25:54) SYMPHONY NO. 8 IN B MINOR "UNFINISHED," D 759
- Allegro moderato (14:48)
- Andante con moto (11:06)
CD 2 (Total Time: 1:01:29) SYMPHONY NO. 9 IN C MAJOR "GREAT," D 944
- Andante - Allegro ma non troppo (15:20)
- Andante con moto (14:37)
- Scherzo. Allegro vivace (15:10)
- Allegro vivace (16:22)
Publishers
- Label: Deutsche Grammophon GmbH
- Copyright: 2022 Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Stralauer Allee 1, A UNIVERSAL MUSIC COMPANY
- Country of Manufacture: Made in the EU
- Distribution (Hungary): Forgalmazza: Universal Music Kft. 1146 Bp, Hermina út 17. Tel: 801-8300
We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!
#BlomstedtSchubert #GewandhausorchesterLeipzig #SchubertSymphony8 #SchubertSymphony9 #DeutscheGrammophon #ClassicalCD #NewSchubertEdition #UnfinishedGreatSymphony #RareClassical #BuyOnlineClassical
