THE Symphonies

Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Robin Ticciati

This 2014 recording saw Robin Ticciati and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra embark upon their first symphonic cycle together in a performance which earnt widespread raise. Sir Simon Rattle commented, ‘Robin makes a clear case for how the revised version can retain the radical edge of the 1841 version. Still it sounds like a fireball and I take my hat off to him.’

Schumann: The Symphonies also won a prestigious Edison Award, received several five star reviews and featured in multiple critics’ ‘Best of 2014’ lists worldwide, including The Sunday Times Top 10. When Ticciati and the SCO performed the Third Symphony at the 2017 BBC Proms, the critics were equally effusive. The symphonies are very close to Robin Ticciati’s heart; Schumann is one of his favourite composers and has often spoken about how important poetry, colour and story are in Schumann’s music.

The SCO’s smaller forces bring a lightness of touch and a clarity to the counterpoint; under Ticciati they achieve a sense of movement that no previous recording has.

Schumann:
 Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 38 'Spring'
 Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op. 61
 Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 97 'Rhenish'
 Symphony No. 4 in D minor, Op. 120

"Ticciati clearly knows how he wants this music to go and his strong parnership with the Edinburgh players enables him to shape readings notable for their energy and individuality...Throughout the performances are characterised by a woodwind sweetness that is becoming a trademark of this orchestra."
Gramophone Magazine - September 2014

"The first thing to be said about this Schumann cycle is how splendidly alert the orchestral playing is: the Scottish Chamber Orchestra must be one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the world today. Its principal conductor, Robin Ticciati, is very much on his toes, too, paying meticulous attention to detail throughout."
BBC Music Magazine - November 2014 *****