Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck – Strauss: Elektra & Der Rosenkavalier Suites (2016) [nativeDSDmusic DSF DSD256/11.20MHz]

Richard Strauss – Elektra & Der Rosenkavalier Suites – Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Manfred Honeck (2016)
DSF Stereo DSD256, 1 bit/11,2 MHz | Time – 58:31 minutes | 9,23 GB | Genre: Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download – Source: nativeDSDmusic | Booklet, Front Cover | © Reference Recordings
Recorded: May 13-15, 2016, Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts, Pittsburgh, PA

This new recording presents orchestral suites based on two of the most significant operas in history. Der Rosenkavalier found its place in the concert hall from the beginning, first with two waltz sequences and later with the famous 1944 suite. But Elektra remained purely on the opera stage until now. Conductor Manfred Honeck has made his own symphonic adaptation, in collaboration with the Czech composer Tomás Ille.We proudly present these Strauss suites, new and old, in definitive interpretations from Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, in superb audiophile sound.

The comprehensive notes by Manfred Honeck offer an in-depth look into the composer’s soul, and a fascinating look at the mind and decisions of a great conductor. To quote from Honeck’s music notes: “it is undoubtedly clear that Tchaikovsky truly put all of his soul into this unique masterpiece. I dare to say that in a way, Tchaikovsky experienced his own death through the music. One can be sure that only somebody who is deeply empathetic about both life and death can be capable of creating such an atmosphere and I am deeply grateful for the great musicians of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra who went with me on this journey, requiring the utmost technical perfection to reach such a level of expression.” FR-720 also includes the world premiere of the “Rusalka Fantasy,” an orchestral suite drawn from Dvorák’s opera by Mr. Honeck and arranger Tomás Ille.
This release is the fifth in the highly acclaimed Pittsburgh Live! series of multi-channel hybrid SACD releases on the FRESH! series from Reference Recordings. Each has received dozens of critical accolades. Dvorák/Janacek (FR-710SACD) and Bruckner 4 (FR-713SACD) have each received GRAMMY® nominations for Best Orchestral Performance.

With a legacy of more than 120 years, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is known for its artistic excellence, a rich history of the world’s finest conductors and musicians, and a strong commitment to the Pittsburgh region and its citizens. Past music directors have included many of the greats, including Fritz Reiner (1938-1948), William Steinberg (1952-1976), Andre Previn (1976-1984), Lorin Maazel (1984-1996) and Mariss Jansons (1995-2004). This tradition of outstanding international music directors was furthered in fall 2008, when Austrian conductor Manfred Honeck became music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony.

The orchestra has been at the forefront of championing new American works, and gave the first performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah” in 1944, and John Adams’ “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” in 1986. The Pittsburgh Symphony also has an illustrious history in the areas of recordings and radio concerts dating back to the 1930s. And, with a long and distinguished history of touring both domestically and overseas since 1900—including more than 37 international tours to Europe, the Far East and South America—the Pittsburgh Symphony continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest orchestras. NOTE: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra recordings are made possible by a generous grant from BNY Mellon.
This release and the entire Pittsburgh Live! series are recorded and mastered by the team at Soundmirror, whose outstanding orchestral, solo, opera and chamber recordings have received more than 80 Grammy nominations and awards. Soundmirror has recorded for every major classical record label, including Reference Recordings.

Tracklist:

Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949)
1. Elektra Suite (arr. Manfred Honeck, Tomás Ille) 33:50
2. Der Rosenkavalier Suite (arr. Artur Rodzinski) 24:40

Personnel:
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Manfred Honeck, conductor

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