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Still rightly revered in his home city of Vienna, Franz Schmidt (1874-1939) completed the last of his four symphonies in 1933. Tightly argued (the striking opening trumpet theme sows the seeds for all that follows) and cast in four interlinked movements, it proves an enormously rewarding discovery, suffused with an affecting nobility that seems to spring directly from the example of Schmidt's one-time composition teacher, Anton Bruckner. Certainly, Elgar-lovers will recognise a kindred soul: Schmidt's music wears a similarly wistful, opulent and (above all) profoundly personal demeanour. Franz Welser- Mst clearly believes passionately in every note and secures playing of the highest quality from the London Philharmonic. As a generous coupling, we also get the entertainingly colourful
Variations on a Hussar's Song that Schmidt penned two years before the main work here. Welser-Möst and his admirable band audibly revel in its quixotic moods and luscious orchestration. Furthermore, EMI accord this distinguished project the demonstration-worthy sonics it so whole- heartedly deserves. Miss at your peril!
--Andrew Achenbach