I was at a friend's house over the weekend, and he put on a Hanssler disc of Marriner conducting Schumann's symphonies 2 and 4. I was internally groaning at the prospect of listening to a Marriner performance. However, immediately from the beginning of the 2nd symphony, I was amazed at the precision, excitement, and brooding quality that Marriner provided. Also, the recording was particularly vivid and thrilling. With each movement of this symphony, my opinion of Marriner was improving. I did not have the time to listen to the 4th symphony. Even so, I'm going to buy this disc - the 2nd symphony is that good. One warning comment - the climaxes could blow you away. Don Satz [log in to unmask]