Herbert Blomstedt - Grieg: Peer Gynt (2005)

The account from Herbert Blomstedt and the San Fransisco Symphony is almost complete; in fact, they borrowed the parts from Gothenburg, where the complete version had just been recorded. But Blomstedt and his forces uncork a realization that is even richer and more dramatic than the Swedish competition. Here is a conductor with a real feel for the music, and in his hands Grieg’s multi-movement score shows its emotional depth. The account is well paced and brilliantly played, and Decca’s crew provides a high-impact recording, very forward and with excellent detail.