Reference Recordings is proud to present Ludwig van Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 featuring Steven Stucky’s “Silent Spring” in exceptional performances by Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Maestro Honeck’s extensive liner notes provide rare insights into his conducting and interpretation, as well as into the history and musical structure of Beethoven’s popular Pastoral Symphony.
Steven Stucky’s “Silent Spring” was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in honor of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the book “Silent Spring,” the seminal work of Pittsburgh-born Rachel Carson. The premiere took place in February 2012. The composer generously accompanies his own album notes to this work which, like the book, can be heard as a call to action to love and save nature and the earth before it is too late.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been known for its artistic excellence for more than 125 years. It has a rich history of featuring some of the finest conductors and musicians in the world and has a strong connection to Pittsburgh and its region. Since 2008, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has been directed by its internationally acclaimed music director, Manfred Honeck. Past music directors have included many of the greats, including Fritz Reiner, William Steinberg, Andre Previn, Lorin Maazel and Mariss Jansons. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has always been at the forefront of new works, including recent commissions from Mason Bates, Jonathan Leshnoff, James MacMillan and Julia Wolfe. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has a long and illustrious history in recording and live radio broadcast, dating back to the 1930’s. Since 1900 it has undertaken numerous tours at home and abroad, including more than 40 international tours. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra continues to be critically acclaimed as one of the finest orchestras in the world.
