There is probably no orchestra less suited to this repertoire than the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn. Has it ever made an outstanding recording of standard repertoire? The Botticelli Pictures are written for a chamber orchestra, yet from the very opening the solo trumpet and solo bassoon are virtually inaudible, and with them go the tunes. The opening movement of Pines grows stiffer and more leaden as it proceeds, while in the concluding march the horns and extra brass vanish in a sonic fog. And what are the Bach chorale arrangements doing in this company? Who wants these pieces gathered together on a single disc? Is this another one of those ridiculous German “concept” productions? If so, it’s a singularly pointless, dull, and characterless one. Avoid.
