New: Schubert Symphonies with Nikolaus Harnoncourt (July 1988)

We are delighted to let you know that we have just released a 4-CD box-set on the ICA label featuring all Schubert Symphonies, performed LIVE with Nikolaus Harnoncourt at the Styriarte Festival in Graz in July 1988. This cycle represents an important milestone in the life of COE and of our 30-year long association with Nikolaus Harnoncourt.

The Symphonies were rehearsed and performed over just a few days during the summer of 1988 in Graz. The concerts were recorded “live” for broadcast by the ORF (Austrian Radio), and the archive tapes have been expertly remastered by ICA keeping the original sound, spontaneity and atmosphere of the concert performances. This Schubert Symphony Cycle was our first experience of working on a complete symphony cycle with Harnoncourt.
Sally Pendlebury, cello, recalled: ‘The Schubert Symphonies was my first ever project with Nikolaus Harnoncourt. To say it completely changed my musical life would in no way be an overstatement’.
The COE musicians he worked with in 1988 still talk about the way he changed their perceptions and of discovering Schubert’s work anew: ‘Harnoncourt’s strong roots in both Vienna and Graz influenced and enabled his musical insights and vision. He presented to us dimensions of these masterpieces we had not considered or did not know (or at least recognise)’ (Dane Roberts, double bass).

The set includes a 24-page booklet complete with rare photographs, an essay from Simon Mundy interspersed with anecdotes and memories from COE players from the July 1988 concerts.

You can order your copy on Amazon.

To watch a short video about the Chamber Orchestra of Europe’s special relationship with Nikolaus Harnoncourt, please click here.