Dresdner Philharmonie

The all-important theme of love in all its facets stands at the center of the Dresden Philharmonic’s first concert of the season with its new Principal Conductor Michael Sanderling. The live recording of the concert now just being released on the GENUIN classics label begins with Pelléas et Mélisande by Gabriel Fauré. Fatal and forbidden love unavoidably imply drama – something which has moved humanity over and over again. Fauré’s interpretation of the story stirs feelings such as anger or sadness over continued injustice and squandered opportunities. Selections from Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet bring the program’s theme of star-crossed lovers full circle. Elements of Italian folk music repeatedly shine through in Tchaikovsky’s brilliantly orchestrated Capriccio italien. Based on the model of his older Russian colleague, Glinka, Tchaikovsky’s rendering is brimming over with new and original thoughts, which capriciously dance from one theme to the next and, after all manner of transformations, culminate in a rollicking finale.

Fanfare
"The recorded sound from the Kulturpalast in Dresden is uniformly wonderful—up close with fine impact, a stunning bass line, and just enough air around things to keep the music poetic..."
© 2012 Fanfare, Steven Kruger; Read complete review

Musicweb International
"The sheer beauty of the sound is stunning, combining polish, sensitivity and rapt expression. With such a satisfying mix this release will have a wide appeal."
Review on Musicweb International by Michael Cookson