The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra debuts its own label with these two releases. I was thoroughly impressed by each one, and I want to be sure that they get the attention they deserve.
-
Debussy & Strauss€17,99 – €33,49
First, Australian soprano Siobhan Stagg and the MSO’s chief conductor, Jaime Martin in song suites by Debussy and Strauss. Ariettes Oublidees, the Debussy songs (1887), were orchestrated beautifully by Australian violinist/composer Brett Dean in 2015.
I love Siobhan Stagg’s performance. Her voice is clear, youthfully magical, and with perfect vibrato. The orchestra is well balanced with her.
The Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss (1948), like his other late works, are full of a quieter emotion than his earlier works– but they are full indeed. Siobhan Stagg is no stranger to Strauss, and she is excellent.
-
Dvorak: Symphonies 5 & 6€16,99 – €33,49
Next: Jaime Martin and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra begin a series of Dvorak symphonies with his Fifth and Sixth Symphonies. There are three other recordings of the Sixth on Native DSD, but this is the first 5th. It is said that Dvoak’s work made a giant leap forward with the Sixth, and I think you’ll hear that on this release. Nonetheless, the Fifth is far more than an added filler. It’s delightful if not weighty. This Sixth is unsurpassed. Jaime Martin is more flexible than some, with both tempo and dynamics. It’s subtle, but it’s there. I love this one!
So– Great performances by all concerned, and excellent recordings. I look forward to more from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s own label. I really hope you’ll check these out.
