Concluding audite's Schumann edition, this CD combines the first symphony with the late overtures, whose compactness displays the composer's symphonic mastery. The overtures, all written after 1847, represent an essential complement to the symphonies: seen in relation to the symphonies, they take a similar position as do the Konzertstücke relative to the concertos. Schumann conceived them partly as preludes to operas, oratorios or incidental works, partly as independent pieces. On the one hand, they were intended to provide ""an image of the whole""; on the other, their purpose was to introduce, leading into the drama.

This CD launches a complete series of recordings of Robert Schumann's orchestral works, performed by the WDR Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Heinz Holliger. Holliger's performances draw on a lifetime study of Schumann's music, thought, personality and fate. His approach imparts lightness and lucidity to these opulent scores through a hierarchical balance of parts, delicately gradated dynamics, and invigorating tempos. The widespread image of this romantic composer as a weak orchestrator receives a refreshing and well-grounded correction. Volume 1 of the series presents the First Symphony in B-flat major (Op. 38), Overture, Scherzo and Finale (Op. 52) and the original 1841 version of the Fourth Symphony in D minor (Op. 120).

With this CD, audite is presenting the second volume of the complete recording of Robert Schumann's orchestral works. The series includes all the symphonies (with both versions of the Fourth) as well as all the overtures and concertos. The Second and Third Symphonies, according to the usual numbering, passed through contrasting histories of reception. Whereas the 'Rhenish' remained relatively popular, the C major Symphony was received by contemporaries as trend-setting, but receded into the background from the late nineteenth century onwards.

audite is delighted to present the third volume of the complete orchestral works by Robert Schumann. This series comprises all the symphonies (including both versions of the Fourth Symphony in D minor) as well as all the overtures and concertos. Featuring the Cello Concerto and the second version of the D minor Symphony, this CD presents two major works that Schumann composed and revised during his time as music director in Duesseldorf. In both works, the movements of the classical model merge into one another without interruption.

"PentaTone have definitely established a winning formula for success with the ten Wagner operas they are currently recording in association with Deutschlandradio Kultur in Berlin. (…) The presentation of this set is excellent. Thankfully, it includes a well translated German/ English libretto (unlike the travesty supplied with the Bychkov version), a thought provoking essay on the opera by Steffen Georgi and full artist biographies. Though my own allegiance to the Bychkov version among recent recordings remains steadfast this Janowski account is unlikely to disappoint. It will surely be welcomed by avid Wagnerites and makes one eager for the next issue in what is proving to be a superlative series." ~sa-cd.net

This recording gathers several important examples of the less familiar Edvard Grieg as composer of songs with orchestra. Soprano Camilla Tilling plays a leading part in this fifth and final volume of Audite’s complete recording of Grieg’s orchestral works: although Grieg drew on his own songs with orchestra or piano for the 'Six Orchestral Songs', this set forms an independent, elegiacally-hued cycle reflecting the core of Grieg’s personality.

"…Within a great session at an scottish artist location sang Christian Willisohn very impulsive and played a very concisely piano. Expressive join in sax, guitar, bass and drums into a very dynamic and balanced sound characteristics…" ~sa-cd.net