An unforgettable live-concert recording, selected from the Philharmonia Orchestra and Esa-Pekka Salonen’s season of works by Béla Bartók – ‘Infernal Dance.’
As soon as Salonen cues the score’s reptilian first bars, just after the one-minute mark, you can sense both a tightening of tension and Salonen’s natural grasp of Bartok’s richly suggestive tone-poetry – Gramophone
As dazzling as you always hope it will be… A truly atmospheric recording that makes it easy to believe you’re in the dark bowels of a castle – BBC Radio 3 Record Review
The conclusion of the opera is riveting, vocally and instrumentally, with the live performance giving a real edge to the drama … for Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonic on top form this is fantastic – Planet Hugill
This 2011 performance of Bartok’s score is sure to become a classic … The hour passes like a single breath – Words and Music
