Nominee in the Symphonic category

Nominee in the Spatial Audio category

Tim Ashley

“…  It’s a long time since we’ve heard the Cleveland in Britain, and these swaggering performances are a reminder of what a peerless ensemble it is, at the very top of the world league. Both Don Juan and Till Eulenspiegel receive suitably extrovert treatment, but it’s the account of the much less familiar Macbeth that best shows both the refinement of the playing and the unfaltering pacing and dramatic shaping of Welser-Möst’s conducting.”

“… It’s another outstanding performances … the playing is exceptionally fine, and Macbeth and Till are essential listening.”

Performance ****½      Sonics ****½

“… Altogether this is a most recommendable addition to the Cleveland Orchestra’s already impressive discography.”

“… I enjoyed this disc very much. It’s a fine addition to the Cleveland Orchestra’s discography and shows that its Strauss tradition is very much alive.”

 

“… Franz Welser-Möst conducts passionately and lets his orchestra play brilliantly and effectively. Welser-Möst also conducts Don Juan very grippingly and dramatically, with bursting colors and strong accents … The conductor succeeds best in Till Eulenspiegel, which virtually overflows with life and mischievousness. Even in seemingly quite banal transitions, the conductor manages an irony that is quite delicious… “ ****

“… Lenau’s Don in Strauss’s musical depiction as conducted by Welser-Most is sprightly, full of ardour, and seamlessly structured (some may prefer greater expanse in places and less concern with an indivisibility of episodes), if played with brilliance, detail and sensitivity (there’s an especially eloquent oboe solo) … Macbeth is very well done, dramatic … Till Eulenspiegel, the standout here, Merry Pranks indeed, the score given with ebullience, relish, and vivid characterisation…”