A worthy release, urgently recommended." - Audiophile Audition 5/5
Aanother spectacular success for Manfred Honeck and the superb musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. It is one that even the most jaded of collectors of Beethoven symphonies should investigate without delay while Strauss aficionados will need no urging to do the same.Sound 5/5 HRaudio
Hybrid multichannel SACD - Manfred Honeck conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Reference Recordings proudly presents these two iconic works in definitive interpretations from Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, in superb audiophile sound. This hybrid SACD release was recorded in beautiful and historic Heinz Hall, home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
In his fascinating and scholarly music notes, Maestro Honeck gives us insight into the history of both pieces, and describes how he conducts and interprets each. He reminds us that the "Eroica" was a bold departure from earlier symphonies, a "dance symphony with dramatic inventiveness, full of new elements that had never been heard before." He quotes Beethoven's student Ferdinand Ries, who wrote "Beethoven played recently for me (the "Eroica") and I believe both heaven and earth must tremble when it is performed." Honeck puts his own inimitable stamp on this interpretation, giving the listener a chance to experience the novelties of the "Eroica" as if hearing it for the very first time.
William Caballero, Principal Horn of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and soloist on Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1, provides a thrilling and masterful performance of this youthful Strauss work. Before joining PSO in 1989, he held Principal Horn positions with the Houston Symphony, Houston Grand Opera and Hartford Symphony. He has performed as guest Principal Horn with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Symphony. The booklet notes include his very interesting thoughts on the history and performance of the Concerto, in a question/answer format joined with Maestro Honeck.
This release is the eighth in the highly acclaimed Pittsburgh Live! series of multi-channel hybrid SACD releases on the FRESH! series from Reference Recordings.
William Caballero (horn)
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Manfred Honeck (conductor)
BEETHOVEN
Symphony No. 3, Op. 55 “Eroica”
I. Allegro con brio
II. Marcia funebre
III. Scherzo
IV. Finale
STRAUSS
Horn Concerto No. 1, Op. 11
William Caballero, Horn
I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro
