The C major ‘Great’ has often been cited as the first of the big romantic symphonies and an open door leading to the Romantic era. We owe the belated emergence of this symphony, 11 years after Schubert’s death, to Schumann who described it as 'a symphony for the benefit and enjoyment of the whole world' and it is here performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and guest conductor Sir Charles Mackerras.