Recorded between 1978 and 1981, these reissued recordings of Franz Schubert's symphonies reflect the mainstream understanding of what comprises the complete cycle, so the set only covers the symphonies Nos. 1-6; No. 8, "Unfinished"; and No. 9, "The Great," and does not include the various symphonic movements and fragments that have appeared in other full sets. The dates of these recordings by
Herbert Blomstedt and the
Staatskapelle Dresden may give purchasers pause when considering it, but the analog recordings are first-rate and the digital transfers have preserved the warm natural sound without altering the character of the original masters. Beyond these matters,
Blomstedt's interpretations are tasteful and classically controlled without any attempts at re-creating historical practices, and the tempos are well paced without being overly brisk. The
Staatskapelle Dresden performs with accuracy and fine expressivity, and though it may not be especially polished in tone, the timbres and dynamics are clean and well-balanced and the playing has an appealing gemütlich feeling. This 2013 reissue is packaged in a bulky plastic jewel case.