Wagner: Preludes and Interludes

The Zurich Opera Orchestra recently re-branded itself as the Zurich Philharmonia. Along with its relaunch it launched its own CD label. With an energized, undistracted Fabio Luisi at the helm, this is paying big dividends in this CD of popular Wagner overtures. The sensual, calm flow of the Rienzi Overture is exemplary for his Wagner: Luisi unfolds the music with a resting, slow magnificence before rolling out the full brunt of this powerful overture. The whole two-CD album continues in this vein. Indeed, this is now my favorite disc of orchestral Wagner!

– Forbes (Jens F. Laurson)