Edward Gardner’s Schubert cycle concludes

The old friend of ours, Edward Gardner’s Schubert cycle concludes with the magnificent Symphony No. 9 in C major, often referred to as the ‘Great’. Schubert remarkably composed a symphony each year from 1813 to 1818, but the onset of syphilis and its treatment seemed to undermine his confidence as a symphonist. The Ninth Symphony is the only one he completed after those initial six. Many attribute this achievement to a rejuvenating holiday with friends in the Austrian Alps, which rekindled his enthusiasm. The nickname ‘Great’ likely originated to distinguish it from the ‘little’ C major Symphony (No. 6), but it is fitting, as the Ninth is on a much grander scale, sometimes lasting nearly an hour in performance. Soprano Mary Bevan joins Edward Gardner and the CBSO in a selection of orchestral songs that complete the album. One song was orchestrated by Schubert himself, while the others are settings by Britten, Berlioz, Brahms, and Reger.

You can have a listen and buy the music here