Schumann & Bucharest Symphony Orchestra - Schumann 41/51 (CD)

The Bucharest Symphony and Principal Conductor John Axelrod present a unique recording of both versions of Schumann's 4th Symphony: the original version; composed and premiered in 1841 and published nearly 50 years later with the help of Johannes Brahms; and the revised 1851 version; completed three years before his untimely death; and defended and protected by his widow; Clara Schumann. The recording brings both side by side to show the different facets of Schumann's character; as he himself put it: 'Florestan the wild' and 'Eusebius the mild'. Principal Conductor of the Bucharest Symphony since 2022; John Axelrod explains that the focus of this project is to 'delve deeply into Robert Schumann's life; his love; and his long struggle with mental health. These two publications; one written during a manic creative year and the other in the depths of his emotional despair; provide for me the most telling representation of this radical romantic. I hope to share this musical discovery with my fellow musicians; our audience and listeners. Ultimately; we may learn something new about this extraordinary man.'