Schoenberg, Beethoven Brahms: Tragic Overture, Sym. No.3 – Lucerne Festival Orchestra / Abbado

   in Classical Music (Jul, 2014)
The last in Abbado’s inspirational filmed concerts with his hand-picked ensemble, this was taped just a few months before the conductor’s death in January. The extracts from Gurrelieder are ravishingly beautiful, the strings providing a perfect canvas for Fujimura’s creamy tone. The Eroica is paced at a relaxed tempo, but is vividly rhythmic with wonderful wind playing (wooden flutes excellent). Superbly executed, this is a fine memorial to a great partnership. …