Reissues

Mendelssohn Overtures Schubert Rosamunde

Eloquence 482 4955 (1954/58) 69:41 mins Carl Schuricht delivers vibrant, forceful interpretations of Mendelssohn Overtures with the Vienna Philharmonic, while grace and charm are of the essence in Pierre Monteux’s affectionate accounts of the Rosamunde excerpts. ★★★★

Alexander Moyzes Symphonies Nos 5 & 6

Naxos 8.573652 (2001) 62:11 mins

These Slovakian post-war symphonies juxtapose busy folk-inflected rhythmic energy with nostalgic Romantic expression. Committed playing from the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra under Ladislav Slovák ★★★★

Schubert Symphony No. 8 (Unfinished) etc

Nimbus Records NI 7098 (1990) 77:42 mins Spirited period instrument performances from the Hanover Band under Roy Goodman. Unfortunately, the recording balance obcures textures, placing the woodwind too far in the background. ★★★

Favourite Suppé & French Overtures

Alto ALC 1372 (1959/62) 74:07 mins

Paul Paray and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra relish the tunefulness of Suppé’s Overtures and cook up a storm in Berlioz’s Roman Carnival. Thrilling performances matched by amazingly vivid recordings. ★★★★★