Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8/ 9 (Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra/ Failoni Orchestra/ Michael Halász) (Naxos: 8.572939)

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Schubert's last two symphonies are ambitious in scale and brimming with striking ideas, though only two movements of the Symphony No. 8 were finished and the score rediscovered and first performed 43 years after the composer's death. The 'Great' C major Symphony marks the summit of Schubert's achievement in the form, combining his unforgettable lyrical gift with the spirit of Beethoven. Michael Halász has been acclaimed for his "delightful performances" of Schubert. (Penguin Guide on 8.553094, Symphonies 3 and 6).

From 1978 to 1991 Michael Halász was general music director of the Hagen Opera House and in 1991 he took up the post of resident conductor at the Vienna State Opera. His recordings for Naxos include ballets by Tchaikovsky, operatic excerpts of Wagner, symphonies by Beethoven, Schubert and Mahler, two volumes of Liszt's symphonic poems, Fidelio (8.660070-71), Don Giovanni (8.660080-82) and Die Zauberflöte (8.660030-31).