The Unfinished is glorious music and this performance is moving and affectionate. The first movement is both dramatic and mysterious and the exposition repeat is given here, thank goodness. The Andante con moto flows nicely - definitely con moto - with good contributions from the solo clarinet, flute and oboe. Ensemble, judged by the highest standards, isn't immaculate. Halasz clearly loves Schubert and that shines through.

Tracklist:

Symphony No. 8 In B Minor, D. 759, "Unfinished": I. Allegro Moderato
Symphony No. 8 In B Minor, D. 759, "Unfinished": II. Andante Con Moto
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, D. 944, "Great": I. Andante - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, D. 944, "Great": II. Andante Con Moto
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, D. 944, "Great": III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Symphony No. 9 In C Major, D. 944, "Great": IV. Finale: Allegro Vivace

UPC: 747313293971
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 10.30.12
Format: CD

Michael Halasz - Symphonies Nos 8 & 9 (CD)