HANS GAL / SCHUBERT

Kindred Spirits

CD1

Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C major, D 944 “Great”

1. I. Andante – Allegro ma non troppo

2. II. Andante con moto

3. III. Scherzo. Allegro vivace

4. IV. Allegro vivace

CD2

Hans Gál: Symphony No. 2 in F major, Op. 53

1. I. Introduction: andante – adagio

2. II. Allegro energico – molto moderato

3. III. Adagio

4. IV. Allegro moderato ma agitato

Northern Sinfonia / Thomas Zehetmair

Acclaimed conductor Thomas Zehetmair presents the world premiere recording of Hans Gál’s Second Symphony alongside an electrifying live recording of Schubert’s Ninth Symphony, the "Great".

Internationally celebrated conductor Thomas Zehetmair releases a superb value 2-CD set including the first ever recording of Gál’s Second Symphony, alongside Schubert’s "Great" Ninth. The release showcases two ends of a great melodic tradition, presenting Gál’s music alongside 19th-century symphonic repertoire that represents its roots and core values. Gál’s Second Symphony is perhaps the most personal of his four, with an emotional depth and haunting beauty that inspired Gál’s biographer, Wilhelm Waldstein, to write of the slow movement: “it is, I dare to assert, the most important Adagio since Bruckner.” Written in 1942-43, during the darkest war years, this symphony distils the process of overcoming pain and loss into the language of pure music.

Featuring Northern Sinfonia in their spectacular venue Hall One of The Sage Gateshead, these recordings underscore Zehetmair’s hallmark electrifying intensity, precision and vision.

Avie 2cds AV2225