The Insula orchestra uses Viennese instruments from the late 19th century to balance historical timbre with technical advancements, as Schubert's original instruments have changed significantly.
Recording & Production
The album features orchestrations by various composers, ranging from Franz Liszt in 1835 to Franck Krawczyk in the 2000s.
Instruments
The bassoons and contrabassoon on this recording are by the Heckel company, designed around 1900, a model that is still in use today.
Instruments
The string instruments on this recording use gut strings to achieve a light tonal foundation, similar to Schubert's era.
Instruments
The clarinets used are 17-keyed Viennese instruments, either originals from 1890 or copies, reflecting the rapid development of the instrument in the 19th century.
Album & Artwork
The album's title, "Nacht & Träume" (Night & Dreams), was chosen because the central song shares this name and reflects a recurring nocturnal theme in Schubert's work.
Interpretation
The conductor, Laurence Equilbey, chose orchestrations that evoked intimacy and minimalism, as if Schubert himself had orchestrated them.
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