It is very curious to me that this masterpiece, like much by Schubert's musical descendant Bruckner, should almost seem to play itself. That is not to say that it's easy music, technically (it isn't), but it is so beautifully conceived and written-out that variations from group to group and performance to performance are comparatively small, at least in my many years of listening to this work. This particular performance is an ideal introduction to this work, and its comparative age (i.e. pre-digital recording) is no impediment to enjoy. I will always take an earlier recording which is well-miked and balanced over a later one where I feel I'm listening from the back of the room. ( )