Graham Williams gives Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony‘s upcoming Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 and Strauss: Horn Concerto No. 1 release five stars across the board on HRAudio.net!
“ Manfred Honeck’s tenure at the helm of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra that began in 2008 has arguably transformed this orchestra from an already first-class one into a great one. … Thanks to the Reference Recordings Fresh! series this transformation can readily be experienced by listeners worldwide as some of their choicest performances have been and continue to be captured in superlative high-resolution multi-channel sound and issued both on SACD and as downloads. This latest release, the eighth in the series, pairs Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 Op 55 (“Eroica”) with the Horn Concerto No.1 of Richard Strauss. At a first glance this might appear an odd combination, but coupling a concerto written for the most heroic instrument of the orchestra with Beethoven’s “heroic” symphony – both works incidentally sharing the key of E flat major – makes complete sense. …
From the Symphony’s two opening chords it is clear that this is to be a fleet but never rushed account of the 1st movement (Allegro con brio). The playing has both lightness, grace and muscular strength in equal measure and, while tempi exhibit a degree of flexibility, a sense of forward momentum is never lacking. The influence of period practice is immediately evident from the orchestral layout with its antiphonal violins and timpani played with hard sticks while Honeck’s care in balancing his forces ensures that the splendid wind playing is never swamped by the strings. … In contrast the ‘Marcia funebre’ that follows is given a reading of considerable weight and drama and delivered at an unhurried tempo appropriate to the music’s grief laden demeanour. … The Scherzo is crisply articulated at a brisk dancing tempo while an especially delightful feature is the phrasing by the superbly secure Pittsburgh horns in the trio section that gives it a real feel of the hunt. … A combination of fire and precision mark the opening of the ‘Finale’ and Honeck’s flexibility of tempi is once again apparent throughout this movement. … The presto coda crackles with furious energy and brings Honeck’s thrilling and illuminating account of the Symphony to a triumphant conclusion. …
Richard Strauss’s 1st Horn Concerto… is a real gem, especially when played as magnificently as here by William Caballero, a horn virtuoso of the highest calibre. He gives a beautifully nuanced performance of the work in which his beautiful legato playing in the central ‘Andante’ is matched by fearless bravura and amazing agility in the outer movements. Honeck’s accompaniment also deserves mention for its deft support of the soloist… This latest Fresh! Release from Reference Recordings marks another spectacular success for Manfred Honeck and the superb musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. It is one that even the most jaded of collectors of Beethoven symphonies should investigate without delay while Strauss aficionados will need no urging to do the same.… Unreservedly recommended.”