The London Symphony Orchestra is legendary as is Abbey Road Studios. The magic happens when you add Maestro Botnari’s direction. His musical vision shaped the lyrical phrases that morph into long sustained passage, soft colors of high-register chords, petulant marching, murmuring trills and a driving pulse are conjured for a bold melodic reading of “Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Montagues and Capulets.” Another of the many high points is “Nutcracker, Op. 21: Pas de deux.” The attention to the pulse and movement in the themes display a wide array of nuances and inflections and all with the most sensitive detail to dynamics. In essence, the execution grows increasingly more effortless and romantic. Botnari understands and brings out the composer’s expressive directives and sustains them, as he refines over time to build the dramatic ending. The wonderful recording brilliantly captures the music’s fervent intensity and joyful ambition.
In sum, Prokofiev - Mussorgsky – Tchaikovsky is an excellent recording that keeps the high standards of the Royal Music Society. All led by Botanri’s impeccable ability, integrity, and the capacity to honor the tradition, while embracing change at the same time.