Fanfare (5 stars)
Conductor Leon Botstein has consistently offered the musical public some of the most innovative and fascinating programs to be found on today's concert stage. This CD combines three orchestral works written within during the years 1926-1928, featuring Othmar Schoeck's stunning 45-minute song cycle for baritone, chorus and orchestra, "Lebendig Begraben" (Buried Alive), alongside Arthur Honegger's wildly colorful "Rugby" and Dimitri Mitropoulos's rarely heard "Concerto Grosso".
Reviews:
“All in all a really fine disc from Bridge. Excellent exploratory performances from Leon Botstein and his talented orchestra and baritone Michael Nagy. All complemented by a very good, detailed and well-balanced recording.” - MusicWeb International
“The ingenious programming of this album alone makes it well worth hearing. The vibrant and compelling performances make hearing it rewarding.” - American Record Guide
“Five stars: Phenomenal programming and daring presentation here; this disc is an unalloyed triumph” - Fanfare (5 stars)
“Leon Botstein conducts the Orchestra Now in some fine performances. Rugby has the necessary energy, and the Concerto Grosso the required precision. But it’s Buried Alive where the superb musicianship of the conductor and orchestra come together. Highly recommended.” - Charlottesville Classical
“The strikingly original music is by three excellent European composers in their prime: Swiss Arthur Honegger’s short, spiky Rugby; Swiss Othmar Schoeck’s intensely dramatic, 40-minute centerpiece, Lebendig begraben; and Greek Dmitri Mitropoulos’s bracing Concerto Grosso. The orchestra under Botstein plays enthusiastically, and baritone soloist Michael Nagy and the Bard Festival Chorus are standouts in the Schoeck’s monumental work.” - The Flip Side
BRIDGE 9540