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The Dresden ensemble was on home turf with Beethoven's Symphony No 7 in A Op 92. From the first resolute chords and beautifully balanced wind interjections, this was clearly a Beethoven performance in the Central European tradition. With the exception of an overly deliberate tempo in the Scherzo: Presto, this performance flowed with the natural musical current of a great river. A lively, incisive Vivace had a fine sense of ebb and flow. Every instrumental strand had wonderful clarity of detail. Frühbeck de Burgos brought aristocratic elegance and lyricism to the Allegretto. It was a joy to hear this music played with such heartfelt intensity. The Allegro con brio finale was vivacious and exciting. The final crescendo was stunningly articulated! Patrician conducting and exciting playing -- Beethoven in the Dresden tradition!

As encores, Frühbeck de Burgos turned to music of his native Spain. The haunting Intermezzo from Goyescas by Enrique Granados was exquisitely played. Lush, elegantly textured strings, lyrical sweep, and Andalusian ardor marked a stunning performance! The vigor and brio that Frühbeck de Burgos and the Dresden musicians brought to the Intermezzo from the zarzuela La Boda de Luis Alonzo by Serrano was intoxicating. Wonderful vignettes in superbly idiomatic performances.

The Dresden Philharmonic is an ensemble in the great Central European orchestral tradition. The music of Sibelius was infused with new inner life! With a superb conductor and the remarkable talent of Julia Fischer, this was an evening of great music making!