Hans Graf’s interpretation of Ein Heldenleben with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is immensely assured and beautifully paced, underpinned by a sense of line throughout the work’s contrasting episodes. Climaxes aren’t quite as impassioned as they are in Falletta’s account, but the later stages of the performance have an autumnal warmth which is very moving. The solo playing throughout is highly distinguished, with notable contributions from oboe and horn. It’s a pity, therefore, that the recording, made in the Esplanade Concert Hall, sounds so distant and veiled, especially in louder passages. I compared the sound of the new version with the 1950s recordings conducted by Reiner, Beecham and Karajan, and in each case the older version provided superior transparency and balance. I also checked one of the orchestra’s Strauss recordings made in the same venue by BIS, and that too presents the sound of the orchestra with greater clarity. The album also features a superlative performance of Don Juan, but once again the sound quality is sub-par. Christian Hoskins, February issue