Symphony No. 1 in B-flat major 'Spring'

Robert Schumann

Leonard Bernstein / Vienna Philharmonic

Mid-1980s

Top choice for the complete set. Bernstein delivers 'the full romanticism'—it's 'very expressive, very passionate, beautifully played, very exciting.' He perfectly sets the individual mood for each symphony.

Wolfgang Sawallisch / Staatskapelle Dresden

1972 Very good sound quality.

A famous cycle and a good complement to Bernstein. It has a 'real sense of rhythmic vitality,' and is 'a little bit swifter, a little bit more transparent.' The 'beauty of the writing' comes across strongly.