“…Janowski’s pacey reading is entirely welcome, and he delights in Weber’s evocative orchestrations – the crucial horns ring out with admirable polish and style, with the woodwind and choral shrieks in the Wolf’s Glen scene hair raising. The quality of the orchestral playing is mostly matched by the cast, who are pleasingly idiomatic. Many listeners will be curious to hear rising star soprano Lise Davidsen as Agathe, and she doesn’t disappoint. Her two big arias – Leise, leise and Und ob die Wolke – are radiantly, and poignantly sung, demonstrating a ravishing ability to float the tone and an exceptional legato…” ****

“… The generous orchestral sound of the hr-sinfonieorchester is an asset of the production. Under Marek Janowski’s direction the orchestra delivers dark romanticism as well as subtle poetry. However, I would have expected more tension from Janowski’s conducting. In the massive choir scenes, the grandiose MDR Radio Choir from Leipzig is a winner. And so, this Janowski recording lives from the power and the sound of the large ensembles, but has deficits with the soloists.” ***

Album of the Week

“… As Weber’s virginal bride, Agathe, the Norwegian soprano [Lise Davidsen] gives her finest performance to date, both arias sung with a big, radiant voice, but always lyrically. She is well matched by Sofia Formina’s perky Annchen … Janowski conducts Weber’s masterly score with atmosphere and the choir are thrilling in the Huntsmen’s Chorus.”