This is a fine performance of the Schubert “Unfinished” symphony. Colin Davis draws on the tonal resources of the Dresden Staatskapelle to produce a rich yet dark (and, when required, gnarly) sound that ideally matches this work’s contrasting moods and timbres. The low strings form a rock-solid foundation, enhanced by the Semperoper’s full-bodied acoustic. The brass interjections pierce violently as Davis artfully projects the music’s anger. But there’s gentleness too–the strings sounding serene in the second movement’s lyrical passages.
The Brahms Third, from the same concert, is a more ordinary affair. Again, the Dresden players make the music sound as if written especially for them, but Davis comes across more dutiful than dynamic this time around, with tempos a bit on the slow side. Not to say that it’s dull–those attuned to the work’s harmonic confrontations will enjoy Davis’ revelation of inner detail (particularly Brahms’ ingenious chord voicing). But physical drama is where this performance is lacking, most notably in the finale’s gripping development section (despite Davis’ very audible humming along).
The live recording picks up musicians’ page turns and various audience noises, but otherwise offers warm, spacious sound. In the end, this disc is half-compelling. For wholeness, seek out the recommended alternatives.
