Schumann: The Symphonies

Bernstein and Vienna, great combo

     

If you are into building your classical library, you cannot truly feel complete until you have the four symphonies of Robert Schumann. This particular collection is a great place to start. The chemistry between Bernstein and the Vienna Philharmonic was one that provided some of the greatest recordings in history. From the opening opening calls of the "Spring" Symphony to the lightning allegro of the 4th, each of these works stand alone. His 2nd is the most obscure of the symphonies, but even it has grown on me over the years. I also like that you are able to buy each of the works individually. As a bass player, I dread playing Schumann. It doesn't lay well on the instrument at all. I really enjoy listening to his music though, and his four symphonies are my favorite of his works.