CD:
Franz Schmidt: The Symphonies

On 1 December Accentus Music is releasing a CD box set with all Symphonies by Franz Schmidt with the National Orchestra of Wales and Jonathan Berman.

"In conversations about Franz Schmidt the recurring theme emerging for many is that listening to a performance of his music at a young age became the turning point in their lives – the realisation of how powerful music can be," says Jonathan Berman, whose longtime love of Franz Schmidt's work has its origins in a performance preparation for his Fourth Symphony.

Berman's passion for Schmidt's work and the composer's upcoming 150th birthday in 2024 were key reasons for the conductor to approach the BBC National Orchestra of Wales to record all four symphonies together – a major project that also marks Jonathan Berman's CD debut.

Accentus recorded the Symphonies between 2020 and 2022 at BBC Hoddinott Hall, the home of the BBC NOW in Cardiff. In December 2023, Accentus releases all four symphonies in a high-quality box set that will also be made available across all digital platforms. BBC Music Magazine wrote about the digital pre-release: "Jonathan Berman and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales deliver a terrific performance [...]. [W]hat really makes this new recording so enticing is the sheer energy and enthusiasm with which conductor and orchestra communicate the vigour and optimism."

Produced in association with BBC Radio 3 and BBC National Orchestra of Wales

BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jonathan Berman

ACC80544 (4 CD box set)
EAN: 4260234833089

Available worldwide from 1 December 2023.