These recordings were taken from Beethoven festival concerts in 2007 just before Van Zweden became Music Director of the Dallas Symphony. They bring to mind the word, “fresh”. I can’t think of another performance quite like either of them.

This is a classical and balanced reading, with woodwinds and brass more blended into a larger string section than usual with Haydn symphonies. It’s fascinating how the woodwinds and brass adapt their sounds to the conception. In a sense, you get the better of two worlds: a relatively large romantic orchestra treated very deftly.

The Dallas Symphony plays elegantly. The sound is natural in a way that adds to the sensation of blending. These are delightfully invigorating readings… © 2012 American Record Guide Read complete review

Here is another fine recording issued on the Dallas Symphony’s own label…We have dynamic performances of the two Beethoven symphonies, both recorded in November 2007 in the DSO’s McDermott Concert Hall of the Meyerson Symphony Center, and the engineers have captured rich acoustics of the venue. Obviously the Dallas Symphony has entered the major league under the dynamic leadership of their remarkable Dutch conductor. © 2012 ClassicalCDReview.com Read complete review