Schumann: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 4 (2012)

Christian Zacharias' recording of Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, with the Chamber Orchestra of Lausanne (and Zacharias as pianist and conductor) has inspired drastically divergent reactions, and this album with Zacharias at the baton will be no different. It is apparently to be followed by a second album with the other two Schumann symphonies, so the supply of grist for the controversy mill will continue. Zacharias' readings of the Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, and Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, are ... Read More

Christian Zacharias' recording of Schumann's Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54, with the Chamber Orchestra of Lausanne (and Zacharias as pianist and conductor) has inspired drastically divergent reactions, and this album with Zacharias at the baton will be no different. It is apparently to be followed by a second album with the other two Schumann symphonies, so the supply of grist for the controversy mill will continue. Zacharias' readings of the Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61, and Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120, are revisionist interpretations that are in their way as surprising as the early Bach recordings issuing from the historical-performance movement. It's not that Zacharias uses historical instruments, although the small size and transparent textures of the chamber orchestra arguably come closer to Schumann's intentions than did the likes of Karajan at the helm of the Berlin Philharmonic. The shock lies in the phrasing; the two symphonies lie, to borrow a phrase, atomized upon a table.... Read Less