Szymanowski: Symphonies Nos 2 & 3

Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

..., like most of the other symphonies on these recordings, is taken at a fairly free and flowing speed. The Menuetto has such rustic bouncyness that it foreshadows the scherzos Beethoven would write later in his career and finally the Finale makes some quite exciting passages with the brass and timpani. I have never really paid too much attention to the First Symphony (it is still so rooted in Haydn), but this performance has really made a good case for the more exciting aspects of the work. A very satisfying experience. Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36 Likewise the Second Symphony rises as a highlight in this set. Again taken at a brisk pace it brings a heightened sense of novelty that the people first hearing it might have experienced. The accented drama comes very well off in this powerful performance that fits well... Read review

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Advantages: Great passion, beautiful melodies, unrestrained romanticism
Disadvantages: The finale doesn't quite convince in it's purpose

...to get a little used to the new sound, the performance is fresh and lively with a great sense of discovery from all involved. A very good choice. SCORED FOR 3 flutes (3rd doubling piccolo), 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, timpani and strings. © berlioz... Read review

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Advantages: Varied movements, esp. 1st and 4th. One of Mahler's most popular works.
Disadvantages: 2nd movement a little weak.

...to complete it. --- MUSIC --- Mahler himself thought of this work as transparent, relatively brief, and non-aggressive. Comprising of 4 movements, it is fairly short compared to his other symphony's and certainly more upbeat, using only a small section of the orchestra compared to his other works. The first movement would almost look like a pyramid if drawn. The start and end are very gradually built up/down (the same melody used at the start and finish) with the climax of the piece about 10mins in with bells and horns making an appearance. The second movement relies far too much on strings for my liking and lacks the distinctiveness of the 1st movement. The 3rd draws a more subtle manner which makes you believe it is the same as the 2nd at first, but then provides differences to illustrate its superiority; it also leads magnificently... Read review

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