By MCANA Critics
DRESDEN – The restored city of Dresden, vaunted seat of the Electors and Kings of Saxony and home to one of the world’s oldest orchestras, was closely linked to composer Richard Strauss, whose music featured prominently in this year’s Dresden Music Festival, on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his death. Programs at the 2014 event included a concert in memory of Claudio Abbado, visits by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and an open-air staging of Strauss’ opera Feuersnot.
It was to this magical city on the Elbe that five members of the Music Critics Association of North America were drawn during the period June 7-10. Their reviews of individual events, general impressions and an interview with Jan Vogler, the festival’s director since 2009, are listed below.
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June 7: Feuersnot.
Strauss’ Feuersnot Rings Authentic In Al Fresco Staging, by Rebecca Schmid
June 8: Missa Solemnis.
Lean Force Lifts Beethoven Missa At Dresden Fest, by Paul Hyde
June 9: Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Riccardo Chailly conducting.
Venerable Leipzig Orchestra Upholds Its Historic Image, by William Littler
June 9: Claudio Abbado Memorial Concert by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Daniele Gatti conducting.
Abbado Celebrated In Dresden Concert He Was To Lead, by George Loomis
Overview of other festival events and interview with director Jan Vogler.
Dresden Festival Soaring Sky High With Eclectic Mix, by Paul Hyde
Also:
Richard Strauss and Dresden, a Bond Unbroken, by Rebecca Schmid in the New York Times
