Robert Schumann’s Fourth Symphony was initially conceived not long after the success of the First, but the dramatic original single-movement version confused audiences, and substantial revisions resulted in the eloquent masterpiece we hear today. This and the Third Symphony owe a great deal to Beethoven, with the ‘Rhenish’ sharing much of the joy and effervescence of the ‘Pastoral’ Symphony. Gustav Mahler’s subtle re-orchestrations were made in the light of instrumental innovations and the increase in size of the symphony orchestra towards the beginning of the 20th century, making them ideal for performance today.
“… There’s no denying that Marin Alsopp has the measure of these works and her belief in the project shines through in these performances…”
David Threasher – Gramophone magazine – March 2023
Sound 8 Booklet 8 Repertoire 7 Interpretation 9
“… Marin Alsop conducts these two symphonies with great respect for Mahler's work and a search for what can really make these scores sound in the spirit of this reorchestration…”
Pierre-Jean Tribot – Crescendo magazine.be – 2 January 2023
Performance ***** Recording ****
Stephen Johnson – BBC Music magazine – March 2023
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