A new recording of Richard Strauss's monumental tone poem, An Alpine Symphony, has arrived, offering a refreshingly clear and dynamic interpretation that avoids all indulgence. The release, on the Ondine label, features the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra (FRSO) under the baton of conductor Nicholas Collon, with soprano Louise Alder performing Strauss's Four Songs, Op. 27.
A Mountain Scaled with Precision and Clarity
Collon's approach to Strauss's epic depiction of a mountain ascent and descent is notably disciplined. He maintains a clean orchestral sound and a dynamic pace throughout, ensuring the musical journey feels bracing rather than laborious. The performance captures the imposing, almost supernatural grandeur of the mountain peaks at the symphony's opening and close with remarkable power.
In the detailed passages portraying the natural world, the FRSO's playing is exceptionally precise. The waterfall section, for instance, fizzes with energy thanks to the ensemble's exactitude. The interpretation is never overblown; instead, it possesses a straightforward, at times innocent quality, particularly from the wind section, which feels appropriately elemental.
Louise Alder's Communicative Songcraft
The album is complemented by Strauss's Four Songs, Op. 27, where the gleaming soprano of Louise Alder takes centre stage. Alder's voice is buoyantly supported by the orchestra, and she proves unfailingly communicative with the text, whether the mood is portentous, exuberant, or tender.
Her rendition of the famous final song, Morgen!, begins with less overt delicacy than some interpretations, but Alder's compelling engagement never wavers. The moving climax arrives as she blanches her tone in the closing phrases, creating a moment of sudden and beautiful emotion.
A Recording of Restrained Power
This recording stands out for its combination of muscularity and restraint. Collon and the FRSO deliver the work's hulking scale without succumbing to excess, saving a warmer, soft-edged string tone for the thankful passage of safe homecoming. Paired with Alder's masterful and expressive song performance, this album presents a compelling and refreshingly direct vision of Strauss's work, making it a significant addition to the classical catalogue.
