The Arts Desk reviews the new Pittsburgh Symphony and Manfred Honeck Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5; Barber: Adagio recording in their Classical CDs Weekly feature:
“This is the sort of performance you want to press into the hands of someone who’s never heard the piece. It’s marvellous, in so many ways, Honeck steering a near-ideal course between hysteria and sobriety. Lower strings are impressive from the outset, their sound pungent and full of weight. But just as remarkable is how Honeck gets his violins to really sing when the second subject enters, their intonation flawless. Spectacular rasping horns kick off the movement’s development, brass and wind playing with a paint-stripping ferocity that suggests a vintage Soviet orchestra. And the pale, bleached sonorities in the coda – this is luxury playing. … The last movement’s bombast has a suitably sharp edge, and Honeck’s sensibly chosen tempo in the closing pages is near-ideal. Exceptionally good; I’ve banged on about recordings from this team for several years now. … Fans of this work shouldn’t hesitate. And, if you don’t know it well, start here. … Magnificent engineering and good sleeve notes – you’d expect nothing less.” —Graham Rickson, The Arts Desk
See the full review on TheArtsDesk.com
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