Symphony No. 9 in C major 'The Great'

Franz Schubert

Recordings

Top Choice

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1951 Mono studio recording

Gil's top choice for this symphony. 'One of Furtwängler's most recommendable recordings... so well recorded for its time.' Furtwängler 'brings all that home... makes the most of all the climaxes.'

Also Worth Hearing

Joseph Krips / London Symphony

1958 Coupled with Symphony No. 8

An 'excellent choice.' 'Vintage Decca sound... non-interventionist, just let it happen naturally... immaculately paced.'

George Szell / Cleveland Orchestra

late 50s Coupled with Symphony No. 8

'A classic recording... fantastically energetic, light on their feet, especially number nine. The finale is just really exciting.'

Gunter Wand / Berlin Philharmonic

1995 Live recording, coupled with No. 8

Wand 'patiently paces things... lets the power of the music... be felt over time... it's just beautiful... gorgeous.'

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1953 Live recording, coupled with No. 8

Gil says this live 9th is 'even better than the one that he did... in the studio.' 'It's idiomatic... The sound quality... is great.'