“For Reference Recodings, there are SACDs of Strauss symphonic poems, and Dvorák's Symphony No. 8 coupled with a suite from Janacek's opera Jenufa. Now we have three more SACDS of live recordings all made in the fine acoustics of Pittsburgh's Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts. All of these are superlative, virtuoso performances. The Beethoven symphonies are high energy throughout, with a rather frantic but exiting pace for the final two movements of Symphony No. 7. The Bruckner symphony also is impressive, challenging the finest other versions , with a scherzo of unusual power. Competition is keener for the Tchaikovsky symphony. A plus is the mightily impressive huge gong preceding the final pages of the symphony. Whatever the specifications of the instrument, it produces a soft but massive lasting sound that doubtless is what the composer had un mind. The suite from Rusalka, arranged by the conductor, is an intriguing filler, and of course it includes the famous Song to the Moon, exquisitely played by the Pittsburgh strings. All of these impress and are important additions to the catalog.” —R.E.B., Classical CD Review
Labels: Beethoven, Bruckner, Classical CD Review, Manfred Honeck, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, TchaikovskyDvorak