Pittsburgh Symphony conductor Manfred Honeck is guest-conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic this weekend, and West-coasters are taking note of his new Strauss recording:

“These works have never suffered for lack of recordings. Thus, a new recording must offer something innovative, and Honeck and the PSO certainly accomplish that.

Not only are the performances outstanding, but Honeck has really plumbed the depth of each piece for all of its power, grace and pathos, and he offers intensely personal interpretations…

“Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the PSO plays wonderfully, as one would expect from an ensemble with as storied a tradition as this orchestra. The disc, produced by a multi-channel hybrid SACD recording of a live performance in Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts in Pittsburg, gives the impression that the orchestra is in your living room. The brass and horns almost jump out of the speakers, and the bass drum shakes the walls…

“If this disc is any indication, we eagerly await the future recordings in the PSO live series.” — Henry Schlinger, Culture Spot LA