GRAMMY® FYC 2024

“Crisply focused with hyper-vivid recorded sound”

“Vigorous and gracious by turns...This performance would have brought me to my feet in the hall [and] for audiophiles because of the superior sound.”

“impressive focus and cohesion….intelligent balancing of contrapuntal strands… vividly detailed engineering.”

 “Here we have energy in the bustling counterpoint, warmth in the lyrical passages and that compelling narrative arc through each movement which holds our attention.”

"A firmly grounded interpretation that eschews histrionics in favor of an unwavering fidelity to Mahler’s intentions….The Adagietto emerges perfectly, conveying Mahler’s obvious affection yet not dipping into sentimentality… the work’s effulgent joy shines radiantly through in the Finale, concluding a thoroughly enjoyable reading."

“One can only praise this recording. Conductor David Bernard convinces with his coherent and idiomatic Mahler conducting and is superbly supported by an excellent and committed orchestra.  An often moving warmth characterizes Beethoven’s Third Symphony, which David Bernard conducts in a very inspired manner. He demonstrates not only a keen sense of color, but also of detail, which makes for an interesting rhetoric. Bernard does not miss a single opportunity the composer gives him. The excellent Park Avenue Chamber Symphony also serves as a very inspired instrument.”

"Quite impressive by our European standards. One can only marvel at this release. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 immediately captivates with its directness and the musicians' commitment. The tempos are brisk but never rushed, and the conducting highlights the modernity of Beethoven’s writing. The listener appreciates the ensemble’s uniformity, its rich overall sound, and the quality of the sections' contributions. This interpretation is flawless both musically and artistically.

In Mahler’s Symphony No. 5 The conductor perfectly captures the character of the movements, managing an airy and coherent instrumental texture. This is an heroic Mahler but one that avoids heaviness or excessive intention. The musicians of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony, in an expanded formation, perform as a unified body, with all sections showing remarkable engagement, particularly the glorious brass.

The success of this album must be acknowledged, showcasing the high quality of the Park Avenue Chamber Symphony under David Bernard’s precise and inspired direction."