Symphony no 2 in B flat major, D 125by Franz Schubert Conductor:
Riccardo Muti
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Period: Romantic Written: 1814-1824; Vienna, Austria
Very Fine, Seldom Heard Schubert.September 4, 2012By Richard Buckley (Oakmont, PA)See All My Reviews"Schubert was much too short-lived and relatively under-appreciated. This CD features one of his less frequently played symphonies, the Second, and selections from Rosamunde, including the Overture and a few ballet pieces, which are much more popular. The music is delivered by Riccardo Muti and The Vienna Philharmonic, an orchestra and conductor particularly well suited to perform Schubert's music due to their familiarity with the subject. Here they set a new standard of excellence for both the seldom performed Second Symphony and the often heard Rosamunde. Muti's measured approach to the music is probably just what the composer had in mind when he wrote it. It is neither too harsh in the emphasized points nor too quiet in the more gentle sections. Yet it delivers an excitement which sets this recording well beyond the few others I have heard. Sad to say, this CD is out of print. It is well worth a search. If you can find it, the reward will be extremely satisfying. Highly recommended."Report Abuse