Sawallish also did some nice Bruckner for Orfeo, I think you even made the 5th your however version.

It's not quite a cycle without the Overture, Scherzo, and Finale. That is one of Schumann's most charming works.

I remember buying this wonderful set when it first came out - put on the Rhenish - and that swinging first theme just blasted me away - never heard it done better either live or on any recording!

In my mind, this set isn't just the best "Reference Recording" of Schumann, it's THE BEST PERIOD! Szell's was the one I revered back in the day, mainly because Szell felt passionately about Schumann and he gave it everything he had in him as proof. God knows they sound magnificent, but place a gun held to my head and I'd have to pick the Sawallisch. But why be forced to make such painful choices? Get both! Thanks so much for getting the word out about this dynamite set. Take care!

Thank you, Dave! I love this series.

Sawallisch was also an extremely fine pianist, as his complete Brahms songs with D F-D demonstrates

Always glad to have the Overture, Scherzo & Finale included in any symphony set, as well as a few overtures possibly tossed in. Staatskapelle Dresden seldom disappoints. It's funny, but I always try to click on the Reference Recording videos without noticing the thumbnail, of which I might immediately recognize the work discussed, because I can see Dave holding it up. It's sort of like opening up a present if I don't immediately see it, perhaps guessing what it would be.

Sawallisch, totally agree! On vinyl it becomes even more magical. Currently there is only one mint vinyl box left on Discogs. I just grabbed the second last one. Good luck!

As I recall, you said pretty much the same about Schmidt-Isserstedt's Beethoven cycle. It would seem that there are Kappelmeister types who just have one spectacular series of recordings in them.

I just started listening to this cycle earlier today. Heard # 1 early this afternoon, and have # 2 planned for this evening. I can confirm that # 1 is excellent. Looking forward to the rest.

The orchestral balance is incredible, I don't know how they manage to do it.

Sawallisch did one of the great Meistersingers, with EMI, with Bavarian Staatsorchester… great cast: Weikl, Heppner, Studer, Moll

I’ll be playing the triangle part in #1 in Montreal in a few weeks…. We do the version revised by Mahler.

Dead right about the co-production. From the jewel box: "Recorded in co-production with the former VEB Deutsche Schallplatten, Berlin." Was going to mention: it's always nice to see when from the company gets it, and the fact that it streams at 96kHz/24-bit (instead of the standard CD spec transfer) is a pretty good indication that someone gets it. Lovely sound.

No doubt!! It's Sawallisch!!

I love the description of Wolfgang Sawallisch as “a Sphinx in a tailcoat”. Not sure what it means…!

@Dave, as a housekeeping note, I think this video is missing from the reference recording playlist

This one is actually unequivocal. It’s so good

Unless my memory plays me false, this set was also marvelously recorded.

I have an old Eurodisc LP of Sawallisch conducting the Czech Philharmonic in performances of Mozart's symphonies 40 & 41. The performance of the Jupiter is my reference recording of that symphony (even beating out Szell).

Yes, absolutely the reference Schumann symphony cycle. Just as much as Britten's own recording of his War Requiem on Decca or Klemperer's Bruckner (no horse noises!) 6th Philharmonia or Previn's LSO Walton 1st are references. Excellent series of talks.

What struck me most about these performances is the tight, focused timpani sound. It underlies all the energy that the rest of the orchestra pours out generously.

He recorded the cycle with Philadelphia later on; “distributed” by the orchestra. Recorded in the main exposition building in Fairmount Park. No one would claim for it reference status since few knew about it.

Hands down…top ever!

Everyone around me has always extolled the virtues of Paul Paray with Detroit.

Critics both here and abroad have been recommending this Schumann cycle for years. Alas, I've never heard it. However, I do think Sawallisch is one of those conductors "who just don't get no respect." I'm sure you are right, Dave, in dismissing his Beethoven and Brahms cycles as "snoozers." But I would tend to classify some of his other recordings as :"sleepers" rather than "snoozers." Sawallisch seemed to have an affinity with early Romantic repertoire. His Schubert and Mendelssohn cycles are very fine, if not world-beaters. Sawallisch was also surpisingly effective in Wagner. I have heard all of his commercially released Wagner recordings, and they are all conducted with great warmth and structural cohesion. Casting and singing are other issues, but interpretively he could be a very distinguished Wagnerian.

Dave, instead of the ‘standard’ repertoire may we also have your recommendations on more recent/contemporary music?

Yep those are what I have.

What’s the reference recording for Bach’s Air?

If only he recorded the Manfred Overture with this orchestra. Still, the Overture, Scherzo, and Finale more than make up for it.

It is surprising how many truly good Schumann cycles there are. But also a couple of total stinkers: Karajan & Haitink.