Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Bertrand de Billy - Schubert: Symphony No. 9 in C major, D944 'The Great' (2003)

Efficient and elegant, Bertrand de Billy and the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra's recording of Schubert's Symphony in C major is serviceable enough. De Billy is a direct conductor who eschews tempo rubato and enhanced accelerandos and emphasizes line and form over melody and phrasing. His rhythms have strength, but not quite enough flexibility; his tempos have energy, but not quite enough repose. The Vienna Radio Symphony has characterful winds, muscular brass, and clean strings. The ensemble is tight and the balance is blended but distinct. For some listeners, de Billy and the Vienna Radio Symphony's performance might lack grandeur, mystery, and especially lyricism. For others, the service at the Hotel Imperial is better than the atmosphere at the pension on Grillpazer Strasse. Oehms' sound is clean but a little empty.