CBSO capture the excitement in Strauss

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra with the gifted Andris Nelsons at the reigns make a strong showing with Strauss' Ein Heldenleben and Der Rosenkavalier Suite

Composer: Strauss
Repertoire: Ein Heldenleben; Der Rosenkavalier Suite
Artists: City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra/Andris Nelsons
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Orchestral
Label: Orfeo C 803 091 A

Strauss’s irrepressible ego was the principle motivation behind Ein Heldenleben, the autobiographical edifice which recalls some of his previous works as well as painting an affectionate portrait of his wife and making a waspish swipe at his critics. The CBSO under its gifted Latvian principal conductor makes a strong showing in this virtuoso trailblazer. Ensemble is not always knife-edge, but Nelsons captures the music’s epic thrust and bracing excitement with unerring accuracy. In the Rosenkavalier Suite, the CBSO’s sweeping virtuosity recalls the inimitable Fritz Reiner’s Chicagoans. Bravo!