This performance evokes the power and awe of Strauss’ beloved mountains. The Göteborgs Symfoniker’s long affinity for the German composer is clearly evident in the passionate reading of the work, which traces a wanderer’s sunrise-to-sunset journey through Alpine terrain. But we love this recording most for its detailed clarity; Nagano not only unleashes the explosive power of the enormous ensemble, but also brings subtlety and delicate emotion to the score’s pastoral beauty.
- Christoph von Dohnányi, Vienna Philharmonic & Wiener Staatsopernchor
- Neeme Järvi & Royal Scottish National Orchestra
- Lorin Maazel & Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
- Pierre Monteux & Boston Symphony Orchestra
- Anne Schwanewilms, Lioba Braun, Jonathan Nott, Bamberg Symphony Orchestra & Bamberg Symphony Chorus
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Daniel Barenboim
- Claudio Abbado, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berlin Philharmonic, Anatoli Kotscherga, Marianna Tarasova & Südtiroler Kinderchor