“The new recording by Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, released May 13, is worth acquiring for many reasons including individual and compelling performances of both familiar and novel repertoire and stunning quality of recorded sound. … Honeck sets the context for and explains many details of his interpretation of “Pathetique” in his exceptionally detailed program notes for the release. For all the intensity of the new recording of “Pathetique,” Honeck's interpretation brings an impressive dignity to the music's emotional world and respect for the musical elements of what is one of the great symphonies of the Romantic era. … Honeck's scrupulous approach to dynamics is important for his lyricism, which touches the listeners more through expressive nuances than by big changes in volume. The first violins are especially impressive in this way, but this recording documents how well the entire orchestra is playing these days. … The new CD gains greatly in value from inclusion of the “Rusalka Fantasy.” The opera is virtually unknown in America, which makes this 20-minute orchestral piece especially welcomed.” —Mark Kanny, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Labels: Manfred Honeck, Mark Kanny, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Review, TchaikovskyDvorak