Critic Rob Cowan adds the Pittsburgh Symphony and Manfred Honeck’s recording of Beethoven Symphony No. 9 to his “Spring Collection” of top new releases:
“combining explosive climaxes with moments of deep repose. The finale is the highpoint, the angry celli and basses delivering their sermon to the minions – though note the achingly beautiful quiet flutes, oboes and clarinets at around the 2:00 mark – before ushering in the Ode to Joy theme from the far distance. Thereafter, the excellent soloists and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh support Honeck’s superbly drilled players for what is surely his finest recording so far. … the performance works on every level. Honeck’s comprehensive and well written booklet note serves as a guide to both the symphony itself and the conductor’s often individual reading of it.”
—Rob Cowan