Schubert's symphonies 5 and 8
The Schubert saga continues. In 2018, B’Rock Orchestra, together with René Jacobs, launched into an odyssey through Schubert’s nine symphonies. Now that symphonies 1, 2, 4 and 6 have revealed their secrets, they are taking a close look at the Fifth and Eighth symphonies.
They are separated by only six years and one symphony, yet they seem to emerge from completely different worlds. The Fifth is as taut, fresh and lively as gurgling spring water, with the masterly example of Mozart looking over its shoulder. The Eighth is dramatic, mysterious and full of tension, interrupted only sporadically by a ray of sun. What the playful Fifth has in common with the celebrated ‘Unfinished’ is its inventive themes, a rich harmonic range and charming melodies. In other words, Schubert through and through.
What is more, René Jacobs also makes his mark on the third section of the complete Schubert symphonies: his interpretation is highly individual, sparkling, fresh and distinct, as if the score had only yesterday rolled off the press.
In between times, Nicolas Alstaedt resolves his demons in Haydn’s virtuoso First Cello Concerto. In the hands of this first-rank German cellist, the incredibly difficult solo part sounds natural and as light as a feather.