Fagen’s way with “Finlandia,” Sibelius’ anthem of Finnish independence, was rousing. The Symphony Orchestra sounded sumptuous and also whip-crackingly united. Liszt’s most popular symphonic poem, “Les Preludes,” a musical meditation built on the poetic outpourings of France’s first Romantic poet, Alphonse de Lamartine, was meant, in turn, to emulate springtime and love, the “storms of life,” a peaceful idyll and the celebration of “strife and victory.” The music does, and Wednesday’s performance, revved by Maestro Fagen, honored composer intent with its fervor, periodic tenderness and dramatic sweep.
Peter Jacobi, Heraldtimesonline.com, March 4, 2011