Complete Symphonies by Franz Schmidt:
Out now on all streaming platforms.
Available Worldwide in a 4 CD Box Set December 1st.
Nominated for the Preis Der Deutschen Schallplatten Kritik
"… a landmark release"
"Jonathan Berman, à propos de Franz Schmidt", Jean Pierre Tribot, Crescendo Magazine, Nov 2023
This is perhaps the most convincing approach to the composer's musical universe.
Scherzo, Pablo L. Rodríguez, 30th November 2023
“A Discovery. Bravo!“
“What really makes this new recording so enticing is the sheer energy and enthusiasm … the power and optimism …”
Stretto, Michel Dutrieue, Dec 2023
Editors Choice - 5 Stars
Limelight, Music, Arts, Culture, Philip Scott, March 2024
"... sumptuously designed and luxuriantly recorded ..."
"... orchestra ... share Berman’s commitment and enthusiasm, delivering playing of sensitivity and technical brilliance ..."
Recording 5 Star
BBC Music Magazine, Erik Levi, Feb 2024
"... You must not play this music with too much pathos. That would give it too much sultriness and weight. In order for its harmonic characteristics to remain recognisable, it must sound transparent and be well balanced. This is precisely the approach taken by BBC Now and Jonathan Berman. [...] In this recording, Jonathan Berman leads us confidently through the different regions of sound, especially in the opulent middle movement with its ten variations. [...] The slow movement [of the 4th Symphony] is particularly oppressive [...] . In this new recording, Jonathan Berman demonstrates a keen sense of proportions, progressions and arcs of tension. The BBC NOW follows him with great dedication - never cloying in the lyrical passages, never overly expressive in the dramatic sections."
NDR Kultur, Christoph Vratz. Dec 2023
“this superbly recorded new cycle derives from studio recordings made at BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff under the direction of British conductor Jonathan Berman……...Altogether a very distinguished release.”
Gramophone Magazine, Christin Hoskins, December 2023
“A top-class addition to the catalogue,”
MDR Klassik, “Hoffmeisters Empfehlungen”, Martin Hoffmeister, 2nd December 2023
“Jonathan Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales set new standards here, interpreting each work with precision, passion and tonal refinement. [...] The Symphony No. 2 in E flat major is presented by Berman with an equally skilful handling of form and expressiveness. Here, the orchestra is in top form, with the strings, winds and percussion producing tonal splendour in harmonious unison. Particularly striking is the interpretation of the slow movements [of the Second Symphony], in which Berman captures the emotional depth without losing sight of the structural integrity of the music. [...] The Symphony No. 3 in A major is performed with great sensitivity and expressiveness by Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The tonal shadings and contrapuntal elements of Schmidt's compositions are fully realised. The dynamic transitions are skilfully designed and the orchestral precision makes for an impressive listening experience. […]
The darkness of the music [of the 4th Symphony] is sensitively captured by Berman. The menacing sounds and dramatic developments are presented with a harmonious balance between tension and release. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales demonstrates its ability to master even the most demanding passages with impressive precision and emotional commitment. Franz Schmidt's symphonies are masterpieces of late Romantic orchestral literature that place high demands on the orchestra's technical and tonal expertise. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the direction of Jonathan Berman masters this challenge with flying colours and presents a complete recording that is convincing in every respect.
The orchestral playing is further enhanced by Jonathan Berman's outstanding conducting. Berman demonstrates a clear and precise interpretation that gives the orchestra room to develop the musical nuances. At the same time, however, he never loses sight of the overall structure of the works, resulting in a balanced and well-conceived performance. Berman's commitment to the music of Franz Schmidt is palpable, and this passion is transferred to the orchestra. His conducting is nuanced and sensitive, effectively emphasising the emotional depth of Schmidt's works. The subtle shadings of dynamics, the carefully crafted tempo changes and the skilful balance between the instrumental groups contribute to an interpretation that is as sensitive as it is powerful. Berman knows how to interpret Franz Schmidt's musical language with sensitivity while maintaining structural clarity.
This complete recording of Franz Schmidt's symphonies is a valuable addition to the composer's discography and a rewarding discovery for all lovers of late Romantic music. Jonathan Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales have proved themselves to be outstanding interpreters of Schmidt's music with this recording and deserve special recognition for this. This recording brings the work of an unjustly neglected composer back into the limelight.”
Online Merker, Dirk Schauß, November 2023
The Briton is an absolute specialist in the music of Franz Schmidt. Just in time for his 150th birthday this year, he has now completed his major project with an absolutely convincing complete recording of the four symphonies.
BremenZwei „Klassikwelt“, Wilfried Schäper, 14.01.2024
“The new recording from the Welsh BBC Hoddinott Hall in Cardiff … is characterised by a clear sound that naturally depicts all instrumental groups. [...] A convincing new release in all respects.”
Opera Lounge, Daniel Hauser, 2nd December 2023
“[…]None of the [previous recordings] has managed to delve with total success into Schmidt's elusive universe, so dependent on the Viennese or Wiener Klangstil sound style. […] The excellent young British conductor Jonathan Berman has just released, on Accentus Music, Schmidt's complete symphonies, conducted by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. This is perhaps the most convincing approach to the composer's musical universe. Berman compensates for the Cardiff ensemble's lack of Viennese sound style by diving deeper into the connections that each score makes. This is evident in the vital thrust of the First, the fluidity of the Second's variations, the elegant contrapuntal warp of the Third (the composer's favourite) and the emotional catharsis of the Fourth, to which he adds an exquisite showcases the symphonic richness of the opera Notre Dame.”
Scherzo, Pablo L. Rodríguez, 30th November 2023
“Jonathan Berman, who with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales is able to perform true miracles in this late-Romantic repertoire. […] What is one hundred per cent certain, however, is that Berman and the Welsh orchestra have made an important contribution to the Schmidt discography with this new album.”
Opus Klassiek, Aart van der Wal, November 2023
“The contrasts are easy to hear in the interpretation by Berman and the orchestra from Wales. While the first movement is still striking and powerful, but never uncontrolled, in the second they offer carefully restrained auditory impressions through to chamber music-like refinement, while also allowing the lyrical aspects to be heard. The musicians develop the third movement from a quiet beginning to the whirling conclusion and show that they can realize the music appropriately, even if the scores are challenging. […] The orchestra under Jonathan Berman brings the personal thoughts expressed in this music to life with an intense and calmly unfolding reading. […] The participants succeed in doing this extraordinarily well with a finely spun musical thread and dedication. The result is a cohesive view of the music of Franz Schmidt.”
Pizzicato, Remy Franck, 2nd December 2023
"Mahler called Schmidt the most musical man in Vienna ... but there is more to it than that ... ... why aren't these excellent, beautifully crafted, musically engaging and original late romantic symphonies better known and appreciated … despite the advocacy on record from the likes of Kirill Petrenko, Franz Welser-Möst, Neeme Järvi and his son Paavo … don't be diverted from trying these excellent performances from Jonathan Berman."
Andrew McGregor, BBC Radio 3 Record Review, Dec 2023