Aside from the innate theatricality of the piece, Tutuguri is a tour de force for the musicians, especially the percussionists--and it's a challenge that the SWR handles beautifully under the commanding baton of Fabrice Bollon. (The chorus is minimally present; this is really the instrumentalists' show.) The sound is gorgeous too--the cracking thunder (or is it gunfire?) of the drums in the fourth movement is terrifyingly vivid. While this is not the most relaxing or reassuring piece in the world, Rihm brilliantly realizes his vision, and the recording is definitely a winner. [4/12/2003]