Russalka Archive

TCHIAKOVSKY: Sym. No. 6 in b, “Pathetique”; DVORAK: Rusalka Fantasy – Reference

by Audiophile Audition | May 10, 2016 | SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews

************ MULTICHANNEL DISC OF THE MONTH ************ 
A modern milestone recording for a work you thought you knew. TCHIAKOVSKY: Symphony No. 6 in b, Op. 74 “Pathetique”; DVORAK: Rusalka Fantasy (arr. Honeck/Ille) – Reference Recordings multichannel HDCD SACD FR-720, 67:03 [Distr. by Naxos [5/13/16] *****: What a steal the Pittsburgians came up with when they snagged Manfred Honeck! There are few conductors these days with his knowledge of repertory and consistently thoughtful explorations into the canon that are so aptly demonstrated in the program notes to his Reference Recordings releases. I have always said that the PSO is the unsung hero of American orchestras; while the “big five” seem to be constantly swaying to and fro with ups and downs of consistent playing and change of orchestral sound and technical ability, Pittsburgh, at least as shown on record, remains as adept and formidably ingrained in the American musical scene as any orchestra we have, never having seemed to lose their standards, despite the vagaries of conductors who have held the helm. Somehow, through it all, they remain the simple standard bearers of excellence no matter who is conducting them. Honeck however, despite the storied and starry roster of pervious conductors, […]