Spohr Symphonies 4 & 5 from cpo

[John H White]

The reviewer in the latest Spohr Society  newsletter himself prefers the new Griffiths version of both symphonies. Firstly he applauds the fact that none of the repeats have been left out this time and secondly that Griffiths tempo, in all but one of the 8 movements, is quicker than those of his rivals. A bonus is that, in spite of  keeping all the repeats, room is found for the world premiere recording of yet another Spohr overture. I reckon this recording will be on my Christmas list!

[Rainolf]

Did Hurwitz read, what his beloved Brahms said about Spohr?

About the Griffiths CD I only can say, that it is a great pleasure for me to listen to this fine recordings, which present Spohr's often underrated symphonies in an adequate way.

[chill319]

That the finale of the Historical symphony (6) of 1839 sounds almost as if it could have been composed by Schumann is reason enough to take a long look at Spohr as a symphonist. Thank goodness for CPO.