“This is as good as any Till Eulenspiegel I have heard since that early 1950s Toscanini recording. Last but not least, the orchestral interlude from Intermezzo is stunning. For those of you who may not know this music, “Träumerei am Kamin” (Dreaming by the Fireside) is simply gorgeous, and quite clearly demonstrates the extent of Strauss’s lyrical gift”.
Arthur Lintgen
Fanfare
“Youthful German conductor Marc Albrecht (b. Hanover, 1964) leads the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in thrilling performances of Richard Strauss’ greatest audience-pleasers, the tone poems Don Juan, Death and Transfiguration, and Till Eulenspiegel. About the only way you could not make the desired impression with these stunning showpieces is by getting too picayune with your point-making, and Albrecht does not fall into that trap. He clearly shows he isn’t afraid to “take it big” (as they used to say in the movies) whenever the occasion demands, and he is seconded by solid, vibrant playing from all members of the orchestra”.
Dr Phil Muse
Atlanta Audio Society
“Consider my review to be an absolutely top recommendation and an excellent introduction to Richard Strauss’ shorter pieces that are usually referred to as tone-poems”.
Karl Lozier
positive-feedback.com
“Marc Albrecht understands the key to much of this music: play it fast. Strauss needs a sense of urgency, and in Don Juan that’s just what we get”.
David Hurwitz
ClassicToday.com
“The excellent surround sonics drew me into the major work here - Death and Transfiguration - composed by the agnostic Strauss when he was only 26. I don’t believe I have ever been so affected by this tone poem, which depicts the final hours of a dying man. Conductor Albrecht communicates the deepest feelings in this four-part work”.
John Sunier
Audiophile Audition