Schubert: Symphonien 1-8

Featuring

Lorin Maazel
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Franz Schubert

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Performer Biography

Lorin Maazel, the conductor on this album, is recognized as a significant conductor, composer, and violin virtuoso, who publicly conducted an orchestra for the first time at the age of nine.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Franz Schubert, though known as the 'Master of Song', considered the symphony to be the highest form of instrumental music and sought to pave his way towards the 'large-scale symphony'.

Compositional Technique

In his Symphony No. 5 in B-flat major, Schubert notably omits the usual slow introduction, replacing it with a woodwind chord progression, and pays homage to Mozart in the Menuetto movement.

Recording & Production

This album features live recordings of Franz Schubert's symphonies, performed by the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and conducted by Lorin Maazel, captured in March 2001 at the Prinzregententheater in Munich.

Critical Reception

Schubert's 'Unfinished' Symphony (D 759) was not premiered until 1865, long after his death, and his 'Great' C major Symphony (D 944) was initially deemed too difficult for conservatory students.

Composition History

Schubert's early symphonies, composed between 1813 and 1818, were often tried out in semi-public performances by the Orchestra of the Vienna Municipal Seminary and other orchestral societies.

Historical Context

Schubert's symphonies were not widely known during his lifetime, as none of his orchestral works were published or performed publicly with lasting effect.