Ed Gardner & Schubert

Edward Gardner and the CBSO continue their Schubert Symphony Cycle for Chandos. Volume 2, recorded in Birmingham Town Hall, couples Symphonies 2 & 6, both delightfully done. Gardner’s fleet tempos (other speeds are available; conversely, the Trio of No.6 drags a little) are no barrier to clarity and draw a poised response from the players, faithfully captured in Ralph Couzens’s engineering. It’s also good to have the two Overtures in the Italian Style (one in C, the other in D); like the Symphonies these Overtures are full of memorable tunes and enticing rhythms, here brought off with style and shared pleasure. CHSA 5245 [SACD].