Schumann, Robert - Symphonies Nos. 3 "Rhenish" & 4 (re-orchestrated by Mahler) - Alsop, Marin

Robert Schumann's Fourth Symphony was conceived shortly after his first success, but the dramatic original single-movement version confused audiences, and after considerable revisions, the eloquent masterpiece we hear today was born. This and the Third Symphony owe much to Beethoven, and the "Rhenish" shares much of the joy and exuberance of the "Pastoral" Symphony. Gustav Mahler's subtle reorchestrations were made in light of instrumental innovations and the growth of the symphony orchestra in the early 20th century, making them ideal for today's performances.