Hans Gál & Schubert: Kindred Spirits

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It would be difficult to imagine a more persuasive and committed performance than that given by these players. Likewise, the Schubert is delivered with dynamism, charm and finesse — BBC Music Magazine, July 2011, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 18th Apr 2011
Catalogue No: AV2224
Label: Avie
Length: 61 minutes

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Schubert: Symphony No. 6 in C major, D589

Work length32:03

$5.00

$7.00

Northern Sinfonia
Thomas Zehetmair

I. Adagio - Allegro

Track length9:41

$1.50

$2.10

II. Andante

Track length5:40

$1.00

$1.40

III. Scherzo - Presto

Track length5:55

$1.00

$1.40

IV. Allegro moderato

Track length10:47

$1.50

$2.10

Gál, H: Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 30

Work length29:43

$5.00

$7.00

Northern Sinfonia
Thomas Zehetmair

I. Moderato

Track length10:52

$1.50

$2.10

II. Burlesque

Track length5:09

$1.00

$1.40

III. Elegie

Track length7:28

$1.50

$2.10

IV. Rondo

Track length6:14

$1.00

$1.40

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About

Internationally celebrated conductor Thomas Zehetmair, Music Director of Northern Sinfonia, presents the world-premiere recording of Hans Gál’s Symphony No. 1, a bold and approachable orchestral statement, alongside Schubert’s Symphony No. 6. The first of two recordings pairing the composers, the release showcases two ends of a great melodic tradition, presenting Gál’s music alongside 19th-century symphonic repertoire that represents its roots and core values.

Gál’s Symphony No.1 was not in fact his first - an earlier symphony had won the Austrian State prize in 1915, but it was later discarded, as was another. Gál finally considered this work, which won a Columbia Schubert Centenary Prize in 1928, to be his symphonic debut. The music speaks through its bold and persuasive conception and uninhibited climaxes, reflecting the composer’s sense of truly having found his own voice. The writing is virtuosic and the orchestration colorful.

Featuring Northern Sinfonia in their spectacular venue Hall One of The Sage Gateshead, these recordings underscore Zehetmair’s hallmark electrifying intensity, precision and vision. This release continues Avie’s ongoing celebration of the music of Hans Gál, following highly acclaimed releases of the complete works for solo piano by Leon McCawley (AV0064), chamber works for Violin and Piano featuring Annette-Barbara Vogel (AV2182), and concertante works for violin and orchestra, also with Vogel, and Kenneth Woods conducting Northern Sinfonia (AV2146).

Reviews

July 2011

It would be difficult to imagine a more persuasive and committed performance than that given by these players. Likewise, the Schubert is delivered with dynamism, charm and finesse

August 2011

Zehetmair finds a mellifluous way of shaping melody while keeping the momentum virile and the music buoyant...the entire performance exudes a genuine delight in Schubert's palette of orchestral colours...Zehetmair's admirably structured account of the First Symphony and the Northern Sinfonia's luminous playing of it highlight a (then young) composer who had something to say and voiced it with sensibility and conviction.

May 2011

Zehetmair seems to have a real feeling for [the Gál] and makes sure each movement is incisively and intensely characterized...the Schubert Sixth is an ideal foil and receives an equally delightful performance...Zehetmair and his orchestra expound it with palpable affection and the conductor keeps the music on a very taut rhythmic rein.

15th April 2011

Compared to the melodic grace and light, ebullient charm of Schubert's work, Gál's seems a darker piece, perhaps reflective of his struggle to develop his own modernist approach outside serialism but as it progresses, it acquires a certain exuberant appeal.

19th May 2011

The performance of the Schubert is sunny, subtly shaped and full joy and spirit. Gál’s creative energy is equally well observed. Though Gál maintained late Romantic leanings, his First Symphony shows him adapting them with considerable individuality, colour and fervour.

11th June 2011

Thomas Zehetmair’s reading [of the Schubert] accentuates the occasional touches of drama – listen to the furious outburst just before the first movement’s coda. But it’s beautifully articulated and full of fun. Playing and recording are faultless.

Hans Gál & Schubert: Kindred Spirits

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