The Great C Major

The period instrument orchestra's founder and conductor Jos van Immerseel described the secret of his orchestra's alchemy in an interview with DW, saying, "The people play as they would in a chamber group. They feel responsible for what they're doing. And they're mutually supportive."

A publically-subsidized, privately-owned institution, Anima eterna consists of freelance musicians selected ad hoc, depending, says Immerseel, "on how well they play - but also according to their philosophy of performing on historic instruments. Some are themselves instrument makers. I invite them to join us as the occasion calls for. We'll use different musicians for a Haydn symphony than we do when playing Orff or Janacek. No one is under contract. Each plays for his life and passion."

Beethovenfest director Nike Wagner describes this hour's performance thus: "I was elevated. It really went down to a very deep understanding of Schubert."Franz Schubert:
Symphony No. 8 in C Major, D. 944 (Great C Major)
Anima Eterna Bruges
Jos van Immerseel, conductor

Recorded by Deutsche Welle, Bonn (DW) in the Beethoven Hall, Bonn, on October 2, 2015

Rebroadcasting rights: one broadcast before January 17, 2017