July 18, 2023

5 stars for ‘Schubert Symphonies Unfinished & Great’ by BBC Music Magazine

“The clarity of Pentatone’s recording reveals every timbre that Janowski elicits from the Dresdner.” 

Schubert Symphonies Unfinished & Great, performed by Dresdner Philharmonie and maestro Marek Janowski, received an outstanding review in August Issue of BBC Music Magazine!

The ‘Andante con moto’ is equally well-judged, the oboe effortless, the Dresden coming in with oomph here, delicacy there, rooting out the nuance. A dramatically convincing, unassuming account of the work.

The Great’ – the Ninth – in C major is equally pacily driven when required. There is an echo of Janowski’s facility with Wagner in the thrillingly judged build up to the first movement’s end, and the clarity of Pentatone’s recording reveals every timbre that Janowski elicits from the Dresden. The third movement’s Trio is a joyous dance in the subtle manipulation of Schubert’s facility for subtly changing repetition. Janowski keeps the story arc flowing as the ‘Allegro vivace’ makes its final uplifting ride to the finish.

Sarah Urwin Jones