R. Strauss: Metamorphosen & Daniel Schnyder: Krisis / Psalm

From the destruction of Munich in WWII to the terror attack of 9/11, the themes of war and reconciliation are at the core of this CD. At its centre is Richard Strauss’ late masterpiece, Metamorphosen for twenty-three solo strings, flanked by two works by the Swiss-born American composer and saxophonist Daniel Schnyder. The first, Krisis, was written as a companion piece to the deeply-felt Strauss composition.

The programme reflects the conflicts raging around us today and mankind’s optimism for a better future. Performed by the NDR Radio Philharmonic conducted by Kristjan Järvi and featuring Finnish soprano Susanna Levonen, this is an imaginative and impressive release that deserves wide attention.

Kristjan Järvi comes from the renowned Estonian family of conductors – his famous father is Neeme Järvi and his older brother the internationally-known conductor Paavo Järvi.

[Metamorphosen] receives a capable account from Kristjan Jarvi and his North German Radio forces, rhythmically alert and with unerring focus as the music evolves towards its plangent culmination. — Gramophone Magazine, August 2014