A riveting new release from the Leipzig-based Accentus label brings together three 19th-century masterpieces by Strauss, Dvořák, and Glazunov, each grappling with the notion of a hero in its own way. Maestro Jakub Hrůša's nine-year tenure as chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony has yielded exceptional results, including this absorbing album.
At its core lies Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben, an orchestral showstopper that effortlessly weaves together music hall charm and bombastic grandeur. Though it begins at a slightly leisurely pace, Hrůša expertly tempers the opulence of Strauss's composition, allowing its dramatic intensity to shine through in all its glory. This is perhaps most striking in the poignant portraits of the composer's wife and his own heroic persona, where every phrase feels calculated to evoke a response.
Meanwhile, Glazunov's lesser-known symphonic elegy To the Memory of a Hero emerges as a compelling discovery on this album. Composed when just 20 years old, it showcases an unwavering sense of sombre purpose and instantly memorable melodies that linger long after the music fades away. The Bamberg Symphony brings Glazunov's elegy to life with handsomely shaped performances, anchored by Hrůša's sensitive guidance.
Dvořák's A Hero's Song rounds out this dramatic trio, a micro-symphony of triumph and tribulation that finds its own unique voice within the constraints of its 20-minute duration. Here too, Hrůša delivers an authoritative reading, imbuing Dvořák's work with an amiable yet unyielding energy that yields the desired emotional punch.
Throughout these three pieces, there are reminders that, nine years ago, Hrůša took up his baton as chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, a role he has navigated with distinction in orchestral music. And now, the listener is rewarded for their patience with this absorbing release – an exceptional performance from all involved.
At its core lies Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben, an orchestral showstopper that effortlessly weaves together music hall charm and bombastic grandeur. Though it begins at a slightly leisurely pace, Hrůša expertly tempers the opulence of Strauss's composition, allowing its dramatic intensity to shine through in all its glory. This is perhaps most striking in the poignant portraits of the composer's wife and his own heroic persona, where every phrase feels calculated to evoke a response.
Meanwhile, Glazunov's lesser-known symphonic elegy To the Memory of a Hero emerges as a compelling discovery on this album. Composed when just 20 years old, it showcases an unwavering sense of sombre purpose and instantly memorable melodies that linger long after the music fades away. The Bamberg Symphony brings Glazunov's elegy to life with handsomely shaped performances, anchored by Hrůša's sensitive guidance.
Dvořák's A Hero's Song rounds out this dramatic trio, a micro-symphony of triumph and tribulation that finds its own unique voice within the constraints of its 20-minute duration. Here too, Hrůša delivers an authoritative reading, imbuing Dvořák's work with an amiable yet unyielding energy that yields the desired emotional punch.
Throughout these three pieces, there are reminders that, nine years ago, Hrůša took up his baton as chief conductor of the Bamberg Symphony, a role he has navigated with distinction in orchestral music. And now, the listener is rewarded for their patience with this absorbing release – an exceptional performance from all involved.
I'm loving this new album! Maestro Jakub Hrůša's got some serious skills when it comes to conducting these three 19th-century masterpieces. The way he balances the grandeur and drama of Strauss's Ein Heldenleben is pure magic 
. And that Glazunov symphonic elegy, To the Memory of a Hero? 
It gives me chills every time! Dvořák's A Hero's Song is like the ultimate anthem – it's so powerful and emotional 
. I'm all about this album, guys 
! I mean, Maestro Hrůša knows his stuff, been leading that symphony for 9 yrs and now he's got a masterclass on our hands. I'm all about Dvořák's "A Hero's Song" tho, its so underrated 
... been listening to Strauss' Ein Heldenleben nonstop since it came out, its like my anthem right now 
!
. It's like you can almost feel the emotion pouring out of those instruments 
. And I love how they chose some lesser-known works - it's nice to hear Glazunov's elegy, that one really gets me every time 
. Nine years with the Bamberg Symphony must have really paid off, this album is a testament to his skill as a conductor 
they performed those 3 strauss pieces by maestro jakub hruscha and it was literally heavenly 
i mean i know some ppl might say they're a bit old but honestly i felt like the music spoke straight to my soul 
i'm obsessed i've been listening to it nonstop since the concert
I'm lovin' this new album from the Bamberg Symphony! Maestro Hrůša really knows how to bring out the drama in these 19th-century masterpieces 
. The way he handles Strauss's Ein Heldenleben is just mesmerizing, all that music hall charm and bombast... it's like a wild ride 
. And Glazunov's symphonic elegy? Forget about it, it gives me chills every time 
. I mean, who knew Glazunov had a symphonic elegy that could give me chills? 
And Dvořák's A Hero's Song... it's like a symphony within a symphony 
.
. anyway, 9 years as chief conductor of bamberg symphony seems like a good investment for the label 
. Has anyone else given this album a listen?
. I'm definitely gonna check this album out ASAP 
. It's like, yeah we get it, you wrote a symphony about a hero and it's great and stuff... can't we just have some actual human flaws for once? 
Dvořák's symphonic elegy is giving me all the feels tho, that sombre purpose vibe is on point 
. And the way Hrůša balances grandeur with intimacy is just masterful... makes me wonder what our own heroic stories are hiding beneath the surface 
Anyway, if you haven't listened to this album yet, what are you waiting for? Trust me, it's a game-changer!