Has Leipzig turned Riccardo Chailly into a vampire, as this Decca cover vaguely implies? No matter; the playing on his new Beethoven cycle with the Gewandhaus Orchestra is consistently fresh and vital. It may not displace the titans of the discography, but it's a thoroughly distinguished contribution. Orchestra-watchers will be giving close attention to Chailly's upcoming appearances with the Boston Symphony, in January. (The BSO are redesigning their website, and let me make a request: please offer an easy link to the entire season schedule, with composers, works, and artists visible. As I've complained before, maddeningly few orchestras properly highlight their schedules. Presently, Nashville, LA, and St. Louis have it right.)
