Considering that this budget CD from Berlin Classics features such superb musicians as conductor
Herbert Blomstedt and the
Dresden Staatskapelle, in gorgeous renditions of Franz Schubert's Symphony No. 8 in B minor, "Unfinished," and the Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, one wonders why their names are not boldly promoted on the front cover. The label apparently fails to understand that, even though these are reissues, the exceptional performers are the main selling point in this affordable line, and leaving their names off the covers does not advertise the true excellence of the music. Here the playing is splendid, and
Blomstedt and the
Staatskapelle orchestra present these classic symphonies with enough clarity, elegance, and intensity to compete with almost any contemporary release of these works. The burgeoning Romanticism of the Symphony No. 8 and the Mozartian poise of the Symphony No. 5 are eloquently expressed in these performances, which were recorded in 1978 and 1980, respectively;
Blomstedt draws out fine phrasing, supple rhythms, and warm sonorities from the
Staatskapelle, which seems comfortable in this music yet capable of finding new insights in Schubert's masterpieces. Even though the reproduction is ADD, the remastering is phenomenal, and the analog sound is probably deeper and richer than anything early digital technology might have produced. So when it is judged for its many positive qualities, this CD earns high marks and deserves serious attention, despite its lackluster packaging and promotion.