Apotheosis and Extinguishment The new GENUIN album by the Dresden Philharmonic, the “other Dresden orchestra,” moves into romantic realms once again. After the hymn-like Alpine Symphony of Strauss and the sonic surges of the Wagnerian “Ring without Words,” two symphonies of Johannes Brahms are now on the programme. The Philharmonic, under the direction of their magnificent music director Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, once again succeed in presenting themselves as a truly exceptional orchestra. From the elegiac cello cantilenas in the “Poco Allegretto” to the tender violin sounds in the Finale of the Third Symphony, from the relentless tympani beats up to the jubilant apotheosis of the First Symphony – the orchestra is absolutely in its element from the beginning to the end of this album, casting its spell on the listener. This is a first-rate artistic document.
