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Schumann: The 4 Symphonies; Overtures Opp.81 "Genoveva" & 115 "Manfred" [2CDs]Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra olv. Raphael Kubelik.

This set of the Schumann symphonies was made in 1964 and pre-dates the later set made with the Bavarian orchestra with which Kubelik had a close relationship too. On the face of it, as the interpretations are essentially the same, one would expect the later set to win hands down. However, that is to ignore the very fine playing of the BPO.

The BPO in 1964 was very much the crack orchestra honed to that point by Karajan. Inevitably, even when playing for others such as Kubelik as here, that cohesive unity carried through. Kubelik certainly did not aim for the sort of smooth blend that interested Karajan at that time, and the BPO played in a more individual way for him. However, they also retained a corporate unanimity of orchestral response that underpins every climax, every soaring phrase, every answering line and so on. This cannot be underestimated and is what gives, for me the edge to this earlier set. I say this having owned both and finally given the Bavarian set away.

Karajan also made a set with the BPO in 1970 or so and this was well-liked but for me this lacked the personality that Kubelik achieved with the same orchestra in 1964. Also the recorded sound for Kubelik was far fuller than that provided for Karajan which damagingly lacked proper depth of bass.

So I would suggest that this set by Kubelik is certainly not ruled out by the later Bavarian set. However there are also other fine sets which should be considered. The set by Szell ought to be on the short-list and has far more drive and sheer excitement to offer and wonderful playing from the Clevelanders. The newly re-mastered recording is an outstanding success and far superior to earlier issues. For those interested in 'authentic' sound I would suggest that Gardiner's set is unbeatable.