Strauss: Heldenleben; Don Juan (live)

An outstanding release, both in musical and technical terms. This live recording is a showcase for the Brussels Philharmonic and it's conductor, Kazushi Ono, while giving a rare energy and drive to scores which demand them. The immersive Dolby Atmos recording emphasizes the virtuoso and spectacular side of Strauss' gorgeous orchestration.  Kazushi Ono: This recording tells the story of not just one hero, but two. It's interesting to compare their lives.  Don Juan takes off like a rocket going to another planet, blazing a trail.  Ein Heldenleben describes the hero climbing and then descending a mountain that is both real and metaphorical. That is the wonderful duality of Strauss as a composer.