Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works, Vol. II Heinz Holliger & WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln

• Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61
• 1I. Sostenuto assai - Allegro ma non Troppo12:01
• 2II. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace07:03
• 3III. Adagio Espressivo08:26
• 4IV. Allegro molto Vivace08:40
• Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 97 'Rhenish'
• 5I. Lebhaft08:58
• 6II. Scherzo. Sehr Mäßig05:40
• 7III. Nicht Schnell05:08
• 8IV. Feierlich05:04
• 9V. Lebhaft05:45
• Total Runtime01:06:45

Info for Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works, Vol. II

These are Schumann‘s Symphonies in the orchestral size that was available to the composer himself for the performances in Leipzig and Düsseldorf. There were fewer strings in the orchestra than is usually the case today. Through this, the sound gains added plasticity and differentiation in the instrumental colours. It thus becomes understandable why contemporaries especially emphasised the skilful and convincing orchestration of these two great cyclic works, chronologically the last two of Schumann‘s symphonies.

With this recording, audite is presenting the second volume of the complete recording of Robert Schumann's orchestral works. The series includes all the symphonies (with both versions of the Fourth) as well as all the overtures and concertos.

The Second and Third Symphonies, according to the usual numbering, passed through contrasting histories of reception. Whereas the 'Rhenish' remained relatively popular, the C major Symphony was received by contemporaries as trend-setting, but receded into the background from the late nineteenth century onwards. At this time, criticism was primarily levelled at its instrumentation, which had still been praised after its premiere. Heinz Holliger and the WDR Symphony Orchestra have recorded the works with an orchestra of the same size that was available to Schumann. In so doing, they not only uncover the sonic ideal of the composer, but also its consistent and convincing realisation.

Holliger's performances draw on a lifetime study of Schumann's music, thought, personality and fate. His approach imparts lightness and lucidity to these opulent scores through a hierarchical balance of parts, delicately gradated dynamics and invigorating tempos. The widespread image of this romantic composer as a weak orchestrator receives a refreshing and well-grounded correction.

„Tasteful and enthusiastic, these readings of Schumann by Heinz Holliger capture an esprit entirely appropriate to the occasion.…“ (Audiophile Audition)

„Holliger‘s performances draw on a lifetime study of Schumann‘s music, thought, and personality. His approach imparts lightness and lucidity to these scores through a balance of parts, delicately gradated dynamics and invigorating tempos.…“ (My Classical Notes)

WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
Heinz Holliger, conductor

Heinz Holliger
has long been recognized as the world’s leading oboist, with countless works written for him, by composers including Luciano Berio, Elliott Carter, Olivier Messiaen and Karlheinz Stockhausen, as well as György Kurtág. His legacy of recordings is also prodigious, and includes a number of previous ECM albums, in which he ranges from Bach to music of the present day. ECM has also been at the forefront in presenting his work as a composer, notably with award-winning recordings of his extraordinary opera on Robert Walser’s Schneewittchen and of his Scardanelli-Zyklus, after Hölderlin.

Holliger was born in the small town of Langenthal, in the Swiss canton of Bern. He studied at the conservatory in Bern and also had composition lessons from Sándor Veress and Pierre Boulez. Called upon around the world for his virtuosity as an oboist, he has remained clear in his wider definition of himself, as also a conductor (having, again, some remarkable recordings to his name) and, most importantly, a composer. It is his complete and intense musical personality that has gained him the highest honours, including last year the German order “Pour le mérite”. In celebrating Holliger at a milestone birthday, these “Dialogues” also continue ECM’s extensive series devoted to the work of György Kurtág, widel

Booklet for Schumann: Complete Symphonic Works, Vol. II