SA-CD.net reviewer Graham Williams gives the new Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Strauss recording a 4.5/5 for Performance and a 4.5/5 for Sonics:
“the conductor’s … admiration for these works is self-evident from the incandescent playing that he elicits from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
“The work’s slow sections possess a dreamy sensuousness that emphasises the lustrous quality of the Pittsburgh Symphony’s playing … This broadness of approach extends to the delivery of the famous horn passage (from 10’29”) and even more to the huge ritardando made at its re-appearance towards the end of the work – a thrilling effect though one that will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows…
“Honeck extends his expansive approach to ‘Death and Transfiguration’ bringing to it a welcome nobility. The sound is gloriously rich and Honeck’s deeply considered reading even manages to make Strauss’s banal ending sound convincing. Finally, ‘Till Eulenspiegel’ is given a performance full of affectionate wit and sly humour. Honeck never misses a trick in vividly bringing to life the various episodes in Till’s adventures thanks to the characterful playing of his musicians…
“This is without doubt an impressive start to what promises to be an exciting showcase for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.” —Graham Williams, SA-CD.net