Strauss, Richard - Santtu Conducts Strauss (2CD) - Rouvali, Santtu-Matias

Santtu conducts Strauss is a two-part album featuring four works by Richard Strauss conducted by Chief Conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali. Two of these are live recordings from Santtu's opening concert of the 2021/22 season and his first concert as Chief Conductor at the Royal Festival Hall. Eine Alpensinfonie and Also sprach Zarathustra are live recordings from Santtu's opening concert of the 2021/22 season and his first concert with the Philharmonia as chief conductor. The concerts received excellent reviews. Tim Ashley (The Guardian) said: "With the Philharmonia in splendid form, Rouvali proved himself an excellent Straussian, thoughtful in his approach and careful in his attention to detail and color." Rebecca Franks (The Times) gave the album five stars: "There were plenty of wow moments as the Philharmonia laced up its hiking boots and cheerfully conquered all the landmarks of Strauss's mountain journey: the glorious sunrise, the brilliant summit, the stormy wind machine, the thunderstorm, and the organ accompaniment." Founded in 1945, the Philharmonia Orchestra creates exciting performances for audiences worldwide and has premiered works by Richard Strauss, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Errolly Wallen, Kaija Saariaho, and many others.