Schubert: Symphonies 4 & 5 BRock Orchestra & René Jacobs

• Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828): Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 "Tragic":
• 1Schubert: Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 "Tragic": I. Adagio molto – Allegro vivace09:00
• 2Schubert: Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 "Tragic": II. Andante08:29
• 3Schubert: Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 "Tragic": III. Menuetto. Allegro vivace03:09
• 4Schubert: Symphony No. 4 in C Minor, D. 417 "Tragic": IV. Allegro10:50
• Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485:
• 5Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: I. Allegro07:09
• 6Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: II. Andante con moto08:15
• 7Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: III. Menuetto. Allegro molto05:20
• 8Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: IV. Allegro vivace07:06
• Total Runtime59:18

Info for Schubert: Symphonies 4 & 5

Multiple prize-winning conductor René Jacobs and the B’Rock Orchestra present the third instalment of their Schubert cycle on PENTATONE with a recording of the composer’s Fourth and Fifth Symphony. Just as with the Second and Third, Jacobs approaches these works as a symphonic pair, revealing contrasting aspects of Schubert’s personality and compositional approach. The Fourth is Schubert’s first symphony in a minor key, and adumbrates a totally new harmonic worldview that Dvořák associated with Wagner’s Tristan und Isolde. On the contrary, the Fifth sounds Mozartian and cheerful, although that light-heartedness is only an appearance, as is so often the case in Schubert’s music. In the composer’s words, “too light a mind usually harbours a heart that is too heavy!” Looking closer beneath the surface, the cross-relations between the “Tragic” Fourth and “lighter” Fifth become all the more evident. The players of the B’Rock Orchestra present these works on period instruments; transparent, but full of fire.

B'Rock Orchestra
Rene Jacobs, conductor

BRock Orchestra
has the Baroque era at heart. Our intuitive, ambitious and connective approach has made us one of today’s most successful and forward-thinking period orchestras.

In pursuit of the new, with a desire for encounter and exchange, we actively seek collaboration with visionary artists. They are frontrunners in the world of music, theatre, dance and the visual arts. They are our Artistic Family. Collectively, we research, associate and create intriguing experiences for a broad audience.

We open up a dialogue with the connoisseur and the curious. On our period instruments, we explore five centuries of music in opera, oratorio and instrumental music. Presenting an excellent performance of a Baroque masterpiece is as precious to us as the world première of contemporary music in a surprising context. The recently founded B’Rock Vocal Consort gives us the freedom to expand our repertoire with like-minded singers.

As we resonate with the world around us, we feel a responsibility to be an organic part of society and contribute to a meaningful discussion. Within our artistic concepts, we address relevant topics such as colonialism and exploitation, the relationship of humanity and nature, or the role of womxn in art throughout the centuries. Rooted in the past through our core repertoire, all our artistic choices are based on their meaning for people here and now.

The desire to deepen the connection with our audiences, and with artists of the future, is the driving force behind the B’Rock Encounters. In this ever-growing series, we create space for participative adventures and the sharing of experience, insight, and knowledge.

With strong Flemish roots, and Ghent as our home base, B’Rock Orchestra is active throughout the world. We are a Creative Associate at deSingel and have long-term partnerships with OperaBallet Vlaanderen, KASK Conservatorium Gent, Muziektheater Transparant and Opéra de Rouen. We are regular guests at Concertgebouw Brugge, Muziekcentrum De Bijloke Gent, De Munt/La Monnaie, Concertgebouw and Muziekgebouw Amsterdam, Kölner Philharmonie, Amare Den Haag, Le Volcan in Le Havre, Musikfestspiele Potsdam, Musik+ in Innsbruck and many more.

Booklet for Schubert: Symphonies 4 & 5