Once more Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic are on top form, and the recording is as good as we expect from Chandos, detailed but superbly blended.
International Record Review
Volume 2 in Chandos’ series of Liszt’s orchestral works includes the Faust Symphony, his crowning masterpiece, in a performance of supreme clarity and assurance. To achieve such stylistic empathy and lucidity in an hour-long force- of-nature work (the conductor has dropped the choral ending), showing Liszt’s transformation of themes and characters at its height, is a daunting achievement… Chanods’ sound, as in Vol 1, is superb; you could hardly wish for more eloquent advocacy.
Gramophone
Review of A Faust Symphony from the 2005 Proms, performed by the BBC Philharmonic and Noseda.
The whole Faust Symphony was splendidly conducted here by Gianandrea Noseda… He shaped this epic symphonic poem with passion, empathy and intelligence.
Richard Morrison, The Times, Aug 29, 2005.
Although Liszt was undeniably a showman during the early part of his life, he later concentrated on composing a series of highly influential scores, including a series of 12 symphonic poems and two symphonies named after Dante and Faust. Noseda conducts a gripping performance of the latter, rejoicing in its narcotising changes of emotional direction. ‘Von der Weige’ also responds well to Noseda’s subtle dynamic inflections, and the engineering is superb.
Classic FM Magazine
Dramatic cohesion and acutely observed characterisation are keys to this striking performance of Liszt’s Eine Faust-Sinfonie. Gianandrea Nodesda and the BBC Philharmonic have already shown their mettle in heir first volume of four Liszt symphonic poems (CHAN 10341), and it looks as though a highly collectable set is in the making.
Telegraph
The orchestra has developed beautifully under Noseda, and there is a freedom of colour and attack that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago. Noseda’s Liszt is notable for its delicacy as much as its fire, and his account of the often overwrought. ‘Von der Weige bis zum Grabe’ is beautifully fresh and direct. A superlative performance.
Independent on Sunday
Gianandrea Noseda and the BBC Philharmonic have already shown their mettle in their first volume of four Liszt symphonic poems, and it looks as though a highly collectable set is in the making.
Telegraph
Noseda conducts the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in scintillating compellingly atmospheric, deeply considered and richly coloured performance. The other work is the austere and forward-looking late symphonic poem From the Cradle to the Grave (1881-82), again given with poise and deep understanding of what Liszt is all about.
Sunday Times