Classical Music

Classical Music

•Conductor Herbert von Karajan leads the Choir and Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera in this New Year's Eve performance of Johann Strauss's (1825-1899) ever-popular Die Fledermaus. This unique live recording insplendid sound features a spectacular cast of singers including Hilde Güden, Walter Berry, Rita Streich and a special guest appearance by Giuseppe di Stefano.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

STRAUSS, R.: Don Quixote / Romance for Cello and Orchestra

Following in his father's footsteps must have been difficult enough, but Johann Strauss, Jr. made a name for himself, one that stands up to the rigorous tests of history. His work in nineteenth century light composition refined the waltz to such a degree that it was included in orchestra recitals as well as at ballroom dances.
Volume 6 of Naxos's salute to the younger Strauss's music focuses predominantly on his waltzes and polkas. Complete with detailed notes describing the history of each piece, the album contains excellent selections from the Marco Polo Strauss Edition. The CSSR State Philharmonic and Slovak State Philharmonic Orchestra perform admirably, using Strauss's original instrumentation wherever possible.
That Johann Strauss, Jr.'s popularity continues is no surprise--his eminently danceable melodies float and bound lightheartedly. Even the casual music listener will be inclined to dance to these waltzes and polkas. The "Waltz King" himself would no doubt be pleased.

Strauss II: 100 Most Famous Works, Vol. 8

Strauss II: 100 Most Famous Works, Vol. 3

Music has its miraculous bodies of work, Bach's cantatas, Schubert's songs, Scarlatti's sonatas and here, for your consideration, the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr. Much admired by serious composers such as Brahms and Schoenberg, this is "light" music not to be taken lightly, with a wealth of melodic invention wedded to an inimitable sense of charm and fantasy that runs through much of the roster of more than 500 waltzes, marches and polkas.
The Marco Polo label has undertaken the massive and unprecedented project of recording Strauss's entire orchestral output, and now Naxos is offering the highlights on 10 discs at a budget price. Volume Two features the famous waltzes 'Vienna Blood' and 'Voices of Spring' and the 'Thunder and Lightning' polka in addition to some lesser-known gems. The performances and recordings are on a consistently high plane and, if you're wondering how the 'Demolition Polka' got its name, the excellent liner notes, which place each work in historical context, will take care of that.

Strauss II: 100 Most Famous Works, Vol. 4

Strauss II: 100 Most Famous Works, Vol. 10

Premiered in Vienna for the celebration of his artistic golden jubilee in 1893, Strauss' Princess Ninetta enjoyed seventy-six performances and critical approval: "The libretto was a success in the true sense of the word.

STRAUSS, R.: Symphony No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 12