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SCHUMANN: Symphony No. 3 'Rhenish', 'Des Sangers Fluch'  . Hanne Fischer, Marianne Rorholm, Roland Wagenfuhrer, Dietrich Henschel, Bo Anker Hansen. Danish National Radio Choir, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. Michael Schonwandt. Chandos CHAN 9760 74m DDD.

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Another new Schumann cycle, you may be saying and after BIS' recent release of the Second we are surely being spoilt for choice. The interesting thing and trump card to both new issues are their couplings; on the Swedish label, orchestrations of piano music, with Chandos it appears to be the choral works which have been given prominence. I have already enthused and waxed lyrical about Michael Schonwandt and his conducting of the DNRSO, a prestigious ensemble that really warrants first-class attention. His Schumann is measured and beautifully controlled, almost burnished in its lyrical intensity. The First Movement gains particular exuberance from this reading with bold firm thematic shaping and particular prominence given to the brass which is absolutely superb, especially in the coda. The same geniality informs the Scherzo and the wonderful third movement, a study in relaxed concentration. I always enjoy comparing the 'Feirlich' movement with Wolfgang Sawallisch's mercurial account with the Statskapelle Dresden in 1973. I can safely say that Schonwandt and the DRSO match that exclusive recording perfectly, but the Chandos recording is much better. In the Finale, Schonwandt crowns a wonderful interpretation with panache and aplomb, making this recording the most desirable of all Thirds at the moment.

The cantata 'Des Sangers Fluch' is vintage Schumann. With its wonderful pensive choral settings and mercurial solo contributions, it is quite comparable to the 'Faust' and 'Pilgerfahrt' settings, something which I will hope for from these Danish forces. One can also relish with bated breath and await further discoveries such as this almost unknown 'The Minstrel's Curse'. Hane Fischer makes a delightful Queen whilst Rorholm's narrations are colourful and alert in their responsive enunciations. The male soloists are less satisfactory although Bo Anker Hansen is quite alert in his contribution as the King. The real star in this work is the orchestra and the DRSO are absolute stars in portraying the colourful nuances of the subtle orchestration. Schonwandt's conducting is forthright and firm, rather in the mould of Gardiner but he has the benefit of a superbly responsive band. As usual, Chandos' presentation is superb with a beautiful box and libretto accompanying the jewel case. I shall be eagerly awaiting further instalments in this cycle and will begin by placing this issue at the top of my Schumann shortlist for the present.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:


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