RICHARD STRAUSS: “An Alpine Symphony.” Bamberg Symphony...

RICHARD STRAUSS: “An Alpine Symphony.” Bamberg Symphony conducted by Horst Stein. Eurodisc 69012-2-RG. Joining a recent glut of “Alpine Symphony” recordings, this disc features spirited playing from the impressive Bamberg Symphony. Stein, the orchestra’s conductor since 1985, has built a vital, reliable ensemble with a meaty string sound and healthy winds and brass. Here, he leads a performance stressing lushness over clarity. A certain loss of detail--in which this orchestration abounds--is the result. Otherwise, Stein offers a generally convincing account, hefty, sweeping, robust in feeling. At mid-price, this recording offers less music than much of the competition, most of which include substantial pairings. Eurodisc’s production seems a bit over-glossy but passable.