Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, Till Eulenspiegel

If this is what the LSO/Tilson Thomas partnership is to be like, then long may it thrive. This is the most emotionally sumptuous Heldenleben I have encountered since Barbirolli's with the same orchestra 20 years ago. For comprehensive Straussian interpretation, Karajan's DG has remained supreme, while Jarvi concentrated on the work's structural splendour, though in rather too resonant a hall (Chandos). But I find this performance as moving, thrilling and satisfying as any in the catalogue and I include Karajan's. The recording itself, made at a perfect level with no evidence of knob-twiddling, is of demonstration quality, with a huge but not exaggerated dynamic range—the off-stage trumpets are just right, there is a beautifully hushed pianissimo for the strings' great tune in the coda, and the battle scene is the best and clearest I know (all credit to the conductor, who appreciates its musical qualities). It is orchestral playing and conducting of Strauss of the very highest order. Even when Tilson Thomas risks slow tempos, there is no loss of momentum, for he has the whole span within his grasp from the very start. What a fiery first section, and how clear all the strands are in the Works of Peace. There is immense tenderness (the end of the love scene, for example) and real nobility. Alexander Barantschik's violin solo is the equal of Joseph Silverstein's in a classic Boston performance of the past, and the LSO's principal horn plays marvellously. Tilson Thomas makes a speciality of the pauses in which the score abounds, and how effective they are when observed correctly. The woodwind playing in the Adversaries section, too, is brilliant and accurate—and the engineers allow us to hear every detail of the scoring in perspective. As for the strings … glorious. Those who find this work repellent will detest this recording, the rest of us will, I believe, rejoice in it, especially as the disc is completed by a witty and sparkling account of Till Eulenspiegel.'"

Gramophone