Schubert, Franz - Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 (SACD) - Swedish Chamber Orchestra

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On the final disc of a complete cycle, Thomas Dausgaard and the Swedish Chamber Orchestra offer us their readings of Franz Schubert's first two symphonies. Written between 1813 and 1815, by a composer still in his teens, both works exemplify the influences of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven on the young man - something which was long regarded as a weakness: until well into the twentieth century (with just a few exceptions) their existence was of interest primarily to archivists. They nevertheless contain abundant proof of Schubert's melodic genius - for instance in the Andante of Symphony No.1 - and other trademarks of the composer are already in evidence: his beloved 'Wanderer' rhythm in the finale of the Second Symphony, and throughout his confident and individual handling of form and harmony.