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.
- James Conlon & Gürzenich-Orchester Kölner Philharmoniker
- Berlin Philharmonic & Sir Simon Rattle
- Mariss Jansons & Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
- Bernard Haitink, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra & London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Boston Symphony Orchestra & Sir Colin Davis
- Gewandhausorchester & Kurt Masur
- Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal & Charles Dutoit