Schubert: Symphony No. 9 & Five German Dances

Iván Fischer with Budapest Festival Orchestra

Schubert
Symphony no. 9 ('Great') in C major [D944] / Five German Dances [D89]

(...) Fischer continues to sustain his reputation as one of the finest conductors around in any repertoire. CLASSICS TODAY

NEW DIMENSIONS, SPECIAL COLOURS
A new dimension is added to the marvellous transition from the simple horn melody to a symphony when it is played on natural horns. Why did Schubert choose horns? Three notes sound open, the next stopped, the next stopped in a different way, like a melody roughly hewn from marble. Only when the oboe takes over is the unevenness polished away, removing limitations and barriers and transporting us into a magical realm of eternity. I must say that I find this transition most touching if the natural horn players do their best to equalize, to overcome their natural unevenness - like handicapped athletes do. Small C-clarinets and narrow trombones give this symphony a special colour.
The woodwinds have a leading role, playing all the Viennese songs, serenades, popular tunes and dances. Even if it is an orchestral work, here and there it feels like the seventh volume of Schubert's Lieder. Iván Fischer
The partnership between Iván Fischer and his Budapest Festival Orchestra has proved to be one of the greatest success stories in the past 25 years of classical music. Fischer introduced several reforms, developed intense rehearsal methods for the musicians, emphasizing chamber music and creative work for each orchestra member. Intense international touring and a series of acclaimed recordings for for Channel Classics have contributed to Iván Fischer's reputation as one of the world's most visionary and successful orchestra leaders.