Classical Editor: Rob Barnett   Music Webmaster Len Mullenger: Len@musicweb-international.com

		You may be thinking, Why is BIS issuing yet another Schumann Symphony cycle, surely we are well served by Gardiner's outstanding new DG set? The answer lies in the couplings; newly discovered orchestral arrangements of the composer's piano pieces, interesting and intriguing makeweights in their own right and deserving of re-incarnation. Joeres is a fiery conductor and his tempi for the Carnaval pieces show that the music is not that suited to an orchestral guise. Still, much fun is to be found in the Paganini piece whilst the Davidsbundler march comes across perennially well. The same goes for the exquisite 'Kinderjahr', a true study in harmony and invention The Mendelssohn movement is particularly charming whilst 'Kmecht Ruprecht' is also very beautiful. With the symphony I turned to my trusty old Sawallisch version, which won me over in my days of youth! Although Joeres and the RPO are evidently much attuned to this Cinderella-like score, there is none of the unique vision that is constantly flowing through the Dresden version. However, Joeres holds the structural flow well enough and his dreamy Adagio espressivo is very beautiful where it is so easy to lose interest. A fiery Finale tips the balance slightly but again, Sawallisch is quite difficult to beat. The BIS recording is outstandingly clear and focused whilst the programme notes are keen and highly informative. It will obviously depend on the couplings if you already own one of the many Schumann symphony sets around. Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound:	Reviewer Gerald Fenech Performance: Sound: Reviews from previous months Reviews carry sales links but you can also purchase from:
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