Neville Marriner’s Schumann cycle for Hänssler (and MHS) ranks among the finest work he has ever done, and certainly belongs among the reference editions of these perennially appealing symphonies. The “Spring” Symphony leaps from the speakers sounding as fresh as the day it was written. Marriner’s tempos are swift, excitingly so in the symphony’s first movement, and he doesn’t stint on the brass section either. Indeed, the uninhibited outpouring of energy in both performances was so surprising coming from this source that I invited friends over for some blind listening comparisons: But no, what we all heard is real. Listen to the ebullient way that Marriner attacks the opening of the “Rhenish” Symphony–the stunning horn playing, the irresistible forward momentum, the lyrical charm of the inner movements, and the perfect balances that allow Schumann’s much-maligned orchestrations to register with ideal clarity and impact. Several of Marriner’s recordings for Hänssler (including some excellent Grieg and a very respectable Brahms cycle) tend to belie his reputation as a conductor more accurate than inspiring, but these performances in particular, gorgeously played and recorded as they are, reflect real artistic insight, vividly communicated from the podium. Bravo!
