SignumClassics

SignumClassics philharmOnia OrChestra 2 CDs

S i g n u m C l a s s i c s THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA SIGCD132 SIGCD13 3 BrahmS Br a h m S sir

sir Charles maCkerras SchuBert ShoStakovich SchuBe r t symphOny no.9 Christoph von DohnÁnyi symphOny no.9

S i g n u m C l a s s i c s THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA SIGCD135 BrahmS VladimirB rashkenazy a h m S ChristOph VOn dOhnÁnyi

ShoStakovich Vladimir ashkenazy Brahms SchuBert FestiVe OVerture S c h u B e r t ShoStakovich Symphony no.2 & Symphony no.4 symphOny no.5 FestiVe OVerture symphOny no.5 BrahmS symphOny no.2 & symphOny no.4 www.signumrecords.com www.philharmonia.co.uk

Available through record stores and at www.signumrecords.com For more information call +44 (0) 20 8997 4000

SignumClassics THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA

S i g n u m C l a s s i c s philharmOnia OrChestra 2 C D s SIGCD135SIGCD132 SchuBert S c h u B e r t ChristOph VOn dOhnÁnyi

ChristOph VOn dOhnÁnyi ShoStakovich BrahmS BrahmS symphOny no.2 & symphOny no.4 Vladimir s y m p hA O n y n o.2 &shkenazy symphOny n o.4

S i g n u m C l a s s i c s sir charles mackerras THE PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA SIGCD13 3 BrahmS Shostakovichsir CharlesBr amaCkerras h m S Vladimir ashkenazy sir Charles maCkerras SchuBertShoStakovich Festive OverturesymphOny no.9 SchuBe r t symphOny no.9 ShoStakovich Symphony no.5 FestiVe OVerture www.signumrecords.com www.philharmonia.co.uk symphOny no.5 Schubert Symphony no.9 www.signumrecords.com www.philharmonia.co.uk

Available through record stores and at www.signumrecords.com For more information call +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 Schubert Schubert Symphony no.9 Symphony no.9 "For the benefit and enjoyment of the whole world"

Deep down in this symphony there lies Schubert to send it to the management more than mere song, more than mere of the Gewandhaus concerts in Leipzig. Franz Schubert (1797-1828) joy and sorrow, as already expressed The symphony reached Leipzig, in music in a hundred other instances. where it was performed, its greatness Symphony No.9 in C major D.944, The Great It transports us into a world where we recognised, performed again and cannot ever recall having been before. received with delighted and almost 1 Andante - Allegro ma non troppo 15.58 universal admiration…for the benefit ’s words on Schubert’s and enjoyment of the whole world. 'Great C major' symphony resonate even more 2 Andante con moto 14.08 so now than when he wrote them a dozen Schubert appears to have begun work on the years after Schubert’s death in 1828. In symphony during the summer of 1825 and 3 Scherzo: Allegro vivace 13.40 fact, it is to Schubert’s fellow composer that completed it in 1826, with ongoing revisions we owe the symphony’s belated emergence continuing into the first months of the 4 Finale: Allegro vivace 15.16 into the world. Schumann had relocated to following year. The fact that the composer’s Vienna in 1838 in the hope of finding a more autograph manuscript bears the date March receptive audience for his own compositions. 1828, in his own hand, might be explained Total timings 59.04 A few months later, on 1 January 1839, he by Schubert presenting the symphony to visited the composer’s brother, Ferdinand major publishers early that year and wanting Schubert, and discovered the symphony it to be regarded as a new work – hot off the hidden amongst an apparently 'fabulous' presses, as it were. Already, late in 1826, Philharmonia Orchestra collection of manuscripts that Ferdinand he had dedicated the symphony to the Sir Charles Mackerras conductor had hoarded. Schumann leapt into action: Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna, Who knows how long it would have lain and in return received 100 florins from the www.signumrecords.com there in dust and darkness, had I not Society. Unfortunately, this was not a fee immediately arranged with Ferdinand which might then ensure a performance of

2 3 the work, but only an honorarium to recognise Horns quietly breathe life into the opening down to the most sublime, hushed tones. from the cellos. After further treatment Schubert as being worthy of consideration. Andante with a haunting, irregularly shaped Even as Schubert reaches the closing of the major themes the movement ends Although rehearsed by the Gesellschaft, no melody which is taken up by the woodwind section of the movement, the coda, his with a return to the opening oboe theme. performance was ever forthcoming, seemingly as a plaything for gentle, lyrical purposes protean invention is barely contained by due to its difficulty and length, lengths and then for dramatic fortissimo statements the necessary formal constraints. The The lively Scherzo begins with forceful which Schumann would later describe as by the strings. A second theme begins to movement closes triumphantly in a blazing strings in unison, complemented by frolicking 'heavenly'. And so the work was set aside emerge now – an ascending, dotted-rhythm statement of the opening horn theme. horns and oboes. This amusingly boisterous until, at Schumann’s behest, Mendelssohn scale which, together with the opening sotto opening, which pervades the whole conducted a partial version of the symphony voce horn call, will figure throughout much The second movement, Andante con moto, movement, is counteracted by charming in Leipzig in March 1839. Despite this of the symphony, in one form or another, opens with a steady string accompaniment waltz-like themes that pop up from time to relatively successful premiere, orchestras acting as motivic glue for the work as a whole. to a sweetly plaintive melody on the time – the first of these acting as a secondary in other musical centres were cautious of A delightful woodwind passage follows, oboe, which has a folk-like character theme. The Trio section is given its cue by performing the full version for many years. shielding us momentarily from the public in its simplicity and veiled quirkiness. horns, clarinets and trombones which lead gaze of the grand symphony and dipping This theme is varied with the addition of into a broadly conceived melody in the The 'Great C major' has often been cited as briefly into Schubert’s private world of a clarinet whereupon the oboe returns woodwind with string accompaniment. The the first of the big Romantic symphonies. song composition, before a brief orchestral before the orchestra begins to agitate, at traditional return to the Scherzo closes this In marked contrast to the wistful, personal frenzy brings us back to the work’s opening points verging upon anger. After a reprise thrilling, densely orchestrated movement. nature of Schubert’s previous symphonic of C major and into the main Allegro. The of the beguiling oboe melody, a second outing (the so-called 'Unfinished'), the secondary theme from the Andante now theme enters the scenario, pianissimo The Allegro vivace finale is not only 9th Symphony is an extended essay which emerges, jaunty, confidant, irresistible, in in F major, and after some marvellous Schubert’s most impressive single orchestral is confident, outgoing, discursive and the strings. Tension starts to build in the treatment, is followed by an exquisite achievement, but one of the major landmarks expansive in nature – rather more public than orchestra until it is arrested by a hymn-like moment Schumann describes thus: "a of the whole symphonic repertoire. This personal. Although, much like Beethoven’s passage of great intensity where the opening horn is calling as though from a distance, is a movement of tremendous power and own 9th symphony, it is always looking over theme on the horns comes forth in the that seems to me to have come from utterly remarkable for Schubert’s endlessly its shoulder at earlier, Classical models, trombones with the strings resplendently another sphere. Everything else is hushed, inventive nature being met with a masterful Schubert’s final symphony is an open door picking up the other motivic material to as though listening to some heavenly control of his material and resources. The leading to the Romantic era. Already we are provide one of the symphony’s most majestic, visitant hovering around the orchestra". opening call-to-arms by the full orchestra looking forward to the symphonic work and justifiably famous, passages. Similarly The opening theme returns to introduce an is ear-catching and sonorous, immediately of, among others, Brahms, Dvořák, inspired, the development section is awash extended, often fiery, orchestral passage outlining two very short, but dominant Bruckner and Mahler. with everything from brilliant fortissimos which gives way to a most delightful solo motifs. The forward momentum is maintained

4 5 majestically until, quite suddenly, new of keys, harmonies and rhythms and is and many aspects of Czech musical life. of the Year', the 'Preis der Deutschen melodic material emerges as the first major followed by a tumultuous tossing around Sir Charles has undertaken much research Schallplattenkritik', 'Prix Caecilia' and 'Edison theme, quietly on the oboes and bassoons of the major themes and motifs. The into performance practice of the eighteenth Award' for 1999. Notable are his recordings with whirring triplets in the accompanying symphony’s titanic coda is one of music’s and nineteenth centuries. One of the with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic violins. This song-like material is swept wonders – some 180 bars where which highlights of the 1991 season was the re- Orchestra of Beethoven’s and Mahler’s along by the orchestra until a huge G major the thematic, harmonic and rhythmic opening of the Estates Theatre in Prague, symphonies and Brahms’ four symphonies chord demands silence for two complete essences of the symphony come together, scene of the original premiere of Don with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Sir bars, breaking the momentum and allowing as one – in Schumann’s words, "for the Giovanni. Sir Charles conducted a new Charles and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra the second theme to be introduced. This benefit and enjoyment of the whole world". production of that opera to mark the bi- have recorded eight Mozart fine melody is pursued through all sorts © M Ross centenary of Mozart’s death. He has recorded with . Sir Charles has all Mozart’s Symphonies and Serenades recorded much Czech music with the Czech with the Prague Chamber Orchestra. With Philharmonic Orchestra, including Dvořák’s Biographies the Scottish Chamber Orchestra he has Slavonic Dances, Smetana’s Ma Vlast, recorded seven Mozart operas, most recently Martinu’s Field Mass and Double Sir Charles Mackerras La Clemenza di Tito following a performance and Janáček’s Kát’a Kabanová, Sarka and at the 2005 Edinburgh International the Glagolitic Mass all for Supraphon. For Born in 1925 of Australian parents in America, at the Sydney Opera House. Sir Charles is Festival. 2002 marked Sir Charles’ 50th Chandos records he has recorded The Magic Sir Charles Mackerras studied in Sydney Conductor Laureate of the Scottish Chamber year with the Edinburgh Festival, in which Flute, The Makropolous Case, Cosi Fan Tutte and Prague and made his debut as an opera Orchestra, Conductor Emeritus of the OAE, he conducted Donizetti’s Maria Stuarda, and Hansel and Gretel, which won the 2008 conductor at Sadlers Wells. He was First Conductor Laureate of the Brno Philharmonic Handel’s Jeptha and Mozart’s Gran Partita. Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording. Conductor of the Hamburg Opera (1966-69) Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of For Hyperion Records he has recorded the and Musical Director of both Sadlers Wells the Philharmonia Orchestra, Conductor His vast discography includes an award- the complete Beethoven symphonies. (later English National Opera) (1970-77), Emeritus of the Welsh National Opera and winning cycle of Janáček operas with the and of Welsh National Opera (1987-92), Principal Guest Conductor Emeritus of Orchestra, Britten’s Sir Charles made his debut with the Royal where his notable Janáček productions, the San Francisco Opera. A specialist in Gloriana [awarded Gramophone magazine’s Opera House, Covent Garden in 1964, where amongst many others, were acclaimed. From Czech repertory, Sir Charles was Principal Best Opera Recording for 1994] and Dvořák’s he has since conducted 33 operas, including 1976-79 Sir Charles was Chief Conductor Guest Conductor of the Rusalka with the Czech Philharmonic Un Ballo in Maschera which celebrated his of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra from 1997-2003, following his Orchestra awarded Gramophone magazine’s 50th anniversary and 80th birthday in 2005. also conducted the opening public concert life-long association with both the Orchestra 'Best Opera Recording' and 'Best Recording He also recently conducted Kát’a Kabanová

6 7 there, an opera that he first introduced Sir Charles received a CBE in 1974 and was audiences to in 1951 at the Sadler’s Wells knighted in 1979. He was honoured with the theatre; the first performance of a Janáček Medal of Merit from the Czech Republic in opera in the United Kingdom. In addition to 1996, made a Companion of the Order of his many appearances with the San Francisco Australia in 1997 and made a Companion Opera, he has a long association with the of Honour in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Metropolitan Opera, New York. He made Honours. In May 2005 he was presented his debut at the Salzburg Festival, with the with the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Vienna Philharmonic, Le Nozze Medal and in November 2005 was the first di Figaro in 1998, and returned to Salzburg recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Music. to conduct the Orchestra in a programme He is a DMus (Hon) of the Universities of of Schubert and Mozart in 2005. He made Hull, York, Nottingham, Griffith (Australia), his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Oxford, Napier, Melbourne, Sydney, the Orchestra in 2004, in which year he also Janáček Academy of Music (Brno) and the made his debut at the National Theatre Prague Academy of Music. Sir Charles is Prague, conducting Janáček’s Vylety pana also President of Trinity College of Music. broucka (The Excursions of Mr Broucek).

Today, the Philharmonia has the greatest work has been underpinned by its much claim of any orchestra to be the UK’s admired UK Residency Programme, which National Orchestra. It is committed to began with the launch of its residencies at presenting the same quality, live music- the Bedford Corn Exchange and London’s making in venues throughout the country as Southbank Centre, and now also includes The Philharmonia Orchestra is one of the education and the use of new technologies it brings to London and the great concert De Montfort Hall in Leicester, the Anvil in world’s great orchestras. Acknowledged in reaching a global audience. Together halls of the world. Every year the Orchestra Basingstoke and a series of partnerships as the UK’s foremost musical pioneer, with its relationships with the world’s most performs more than 200 concerts, as well across Kent and the Thames Gateway, based with an extraordinary recording legacy, the sought-after artists, most importantly its as presenting chamber performances by in Canterbury. The Orchestra’s international Philharmonia leads the field for its quality of Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor Esa- the Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra, extensive touring schedule each season playing, and for its innovative approach to Pekka Salonen, the Philharmonia Orchestra and recording scores for films, CDs and involves appearances at the finest concert audience development, residencies, music is at the heart of British musical life. computer games. Since 1995 the Orchestra’s halls across Europe, the USA and Asia.

8 9 During its first six decades, the Philharmonia new Orchestral Award, inaugurated in 2005, Throughout its history, the Philharmonia first ever classical music organisation to be Orchestra has collaborated with most allows two young players every year to gain Orchestra has been committed to finding shortlisted for a BT Digital Music Award, and of the great classical artists of the 20th performing experience within the Orchestra. new ways to bring its top quality live in the same year the Orchestra presented century. Conductors associated with the performance to audiences worldwide, and both the first ever fully interactive webcast Orchestra include Furtwängler, Richard The Orchestra is also recognised for its to using new technologies to achieve this. and the first podcast by a UK orchestra. Strauss, Toscanini, Cantelli, Karajan and innovative programming policy, at the heart Many millions of people since 1945 have In September 2005 computer games with Giulini. was the first of many of which is a commitment to performing enjoyed their first experience of classical Philharmonia scores were at No.1 and No.2 outstanding Principal Conductors, and other and commissioning new works by leading music through a Philharmonia recording, in the national charts, while the Orchestra’s great names have included Lorin Maazel composers, among them the Artistic Director and in 2007 audiences can engage with scores for the last two Harry Potter computer (Associate Principal Conductor), Riccardo of its Music of Today series, Julian Anderson. the Orchestra through webcasts, podcasts, games have both been nominated for BAFTA Muti (Principal Conductor and Music Director) Since 1945 the Philharmonia Orchestra has downloads, computer games and film scores Awards. Recording and live broadcasting and Giuseppe Sinopoli (Music Director). As commissioned more than 100 new works as well as through its unique interactive both also continue to play a significant well as Esa-Pekka Salonen, current titled from composers including Sir Harrison music education website launched in 2005, part in the Orchestra’s activities: since conductors are Christoph von Dohnányi Birtwistle, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Mark- The Sound Exchange (www.philharmonia. 2003 the Philharmonia has enjoyed a (Honorary Conductor for Life), Sir Charles Anthony Turnage and James MacMillan. co.uk/thesoundexchange), which is now major partnership with Classic FM, as The Mackerras (Principal Guest Conductor), The Philharmonia Orchestra’s joint series visited by almost 2 million people a year. Classic FM Orchestra on Tour, as well as Kurt Sanderling (Conductor Emeritus) and with SBC, Clocks and Clouds: The Music of In 2005 the Philharmonia became the continuing to broadcast on BBC Radio 3. Vladimir Ashkenazy (Conductor Laureate). György Ligeti, won the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Best Concert Series Award in Recorded live at Southbank Centre's Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 10 June 2006 The Philharmonia Orchestra continues to 1997 and Related Rocks: The Music of Engineer - Jonathan Stokes, Classic Sound Ltd pride itself on its long-term collaborations Magnus Lindberg, was nominated for an Producer - Misha Donat with the finest musicians of our day, RPS Award. Other recent awards for the Recording and Editing facilities - Classic Sound Ltd supporting new as well as established Orchestra include the RPS Large Ensemble artists. This policy extends into the Award and two Evening Standard Awards Photo credit - Richard Haughton Orchestra itself, where many of the players for Outstanding Artistic Achievement and Design - Richard Slaney (for the Philharmonia Orchestra) and Andrew Giles have solo or chamber music careers as Outstanding Ensemble. In May 2007 PLAY. well as their work with the Orchestra. The orchestra, a 'virtual Philharmonia Orchestra' ® 2008 The copyright in this recording is owned by Philharmonia Orchestra © 2008 The copyright in this CD booklet, notes and design is owned by Signum Records Ltd. Philharmonia’s Martin Musical Scholarship created in partnership with Southbank Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying or re-recording of Signum Compact Discs constitutes an infringement of copyright and will render the infringer liable to an action by law. Licenses for public performances or broadcasting may be obtained from Phonographic Performance Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this booklet may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, Fund has for many years supported talented Centre and Central St Martin’s College or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from Signum Records Ltd. musicians at the start of their careers and a of Art, won the RPS Education Award. SignumClassics, Signum Records Ltd., Suite 14, 21 Wadsworth Road, Perivale, Middx UB6 7JD, UK. +44 (0) 20 8997 4000 E-mail: [email protected] 10 11