Last year Kenneth Woods and the Stratford-upon-Avon based Orchestra of the Swan made musical history when they completed the first ever recorded cycle of the Symphonies by Hans Gál. By dusting off the Austrian émigré composer’s gorgeously melodic and finely crafted scores, which remained relatively dormant throughout the 20th century, Woods has captured the imagination and introduced a new generation to Gál’s wide-ranging and extensive oeuvre. The four symphonies, each originally released alongside those of Robert Schumann, are re-mastered and presented all together for the first time, opening the door to further exploration and discovery.



critical acclaim for Kenneth Woods’ and Orchestra of the Swan’s Hans Gal

“hats off to conductor Kenneth Woods and his Orchestra of the Swan who have been making a case for Gál’s elegantly built orchestral pieces … Here's hoping this is the beginning of a substantial Gál revival.”

– National Public Radio’s All Things Considered (reviewing Gál Symphony No. 3, AV 2230)

“The Orchestra of the Swan provide a quietly compelling account, relishing the many solos, duos and textural intricacies that Gál wrings from his orchestra.” – Gramophone, Editor’s Choice (on Gál Symphony No. 4, AV 2231)

“beautifully played … transcendent … this orchestra seems to breathe together” – BBC Music Magazine (on Gál Symphony No. 1, AV 2233)

“Woods has done the music world of the 21st century a huge favour in making the Gál known to us … The Orchestra of the Swan is a band of superlative players whose commitment to the music matches that of its leader and it shows in every note.” –MusicWeb International (on Gál Symphony No. 2, AV 2232)

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Recorded 6-7 December 2010 (Symphony No. 3), 5-6 December 2011 (Symphony No. 4), 3-4 December 2012, (Symphony No. 2), 2-3 December 2013 (Symphony No. 1), Civic Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon