Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 8 "Unfinished" / Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3
Bruno Walter's recording of Schubert's Fifth Symphony--the composer's most obvious homage to Mozart--reflects the famous conductor's expertise as a Mozart conductor. Everything sings and breathes with complete naturalness. The "Unfinished" is a more lyrical performance than it is dramatic, but it's very persuasively argued. A fine memento of this great artist.--David Hurwitz