Symphonies 5, 6, 8, & 9, Rosamunde Overture (Von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic)

Schubert, Franz / Symphonies 5, 6, 8 & 9, Rosamunde Overture (Von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic)
Label: EMI Classics, 2004

Schubert’s (1797-1828) Rosamunde Overture is filled with ingratiating tunes (used in movies), warm-heartedness, good humor and dramatic orchestration. Schubert composed his Symphony No. 5 in 1816, when infatuated with Mozart. The opening mvmt is joyous, the 2nd sensual, the 3rd serious and an homage to the Minuet of Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, alternately stern and light-hearted, the 4th a fast-paced romp in alternating major and minor key. Symphony No. 6, a showcase of harmonic variety, begins with a serious intro and a genial theme, and ends in a dramatic coda. The 2nd mvmt conveys charming insouciance, the 3rd mvmt a country rollick, the 4th a folk festival including Viennese hurdy-gurdy and merry-go-round melodies, ending in a triumphant celebration. Symphony No. 8 (“The Unfinished”), Schubert’s best known, is the first great Romantic symphony. The 1st mvmt is tragic, pained yet lovely, closing in mourning and protest; the 2nd mvmt offers a luminous peace, punctuated by anguished moments. Symphony No. 9 (The “Great”) is a glorious celebration, rich in expressive and sinewy melodies and huge swelling climaxes. The 1st mvmt opens with a noble theme and pulses with energy. In the 2nd mvmt, troops march by in the distance. The 3rd mvmt, modeled on the 3rd mvmt of Beethoven’s Ninth, is filled with lyrical dance melodies. The 4th mvmt is joyous, and leaves the listener knowing that life is good, even though finite.