This new release is the first recording of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo and its current chief conductor, Paavo Järvi. Starting with Ein Heldenleben and Don Juan, two of the most popular tones poems by Richard Strauss, as Volume 1, Paavo Järvi and the NHK SO embark on a three-volume Richard Strauss Cycle. These are the first-ever recordings of these tone poems conducted by Paavo Järvi.

Celebrating its 90th season, NHK SO has one of the longest histories among Japanese orchestras, with a rich and long tradition of performing the music of Richard Strauss under such illustrious conductors as Herbert von Karajan, Wolfgang Sawallisch, Othmar Suitner, Lovro von Matacic, Horst Stein, Charles Dutoit, and Vladimir Ashkenazy among others.

These works were recorded live in Suntory Hall, Tokyo, one of the world's most renowned concert halls, with optimum DSD technology.