Johann Strauss Jr.: Favorite Waltzes

Johann II [Junior] Strauss (Composer), Franz Welser-Möst (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Franz Welser-Möst
• Composer: Johann II [Junior] Strauss
• Audio CD (April 20, 1999)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: EMI Classics / Seraphim
• ASIN: B00000IOMJ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,713 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Künstler-Leben (Artists' Life), waltz for orchestra, Op. 316 (RV 316)

2. Rosen aus dem Süden (Roses from the South), waltz for orchestra, Op. 388 (RV 388)

3. Der Zigeunerbaron (The Gypsy Baron), overture to the operetta

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb performances of truly great music., May 1, 2004

By 

Augustus Caesar, Ph.D. (Eugene, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Johann Strauss Jr.: Favorite Waltzes (Audio CD)

Johann Strauss II is that most rare of composers--a writer whose works gain rapturous popularity with the public while also garnering the praise of the most austere critics. Strauss was the most popular and financially successful composer of his time, travelling the world with his orchestras and making millions (yes, millions) from both his waltzes and his operettas. Meanwhile, musicians on the level of Hans von Bülow, Richard Strauss, Johannes Brahms, and Richard Wagner marvelled at the fertility of his melodic gift and the brilliance of his orchestration. For a composer, this is the ultimate dream, and none have so totally achieved it as Strauss. Perhaps Gershwin comes closest.

In these wonderful performances from the early 1990s, Frans Welzer-Möst, then the wunderkind of the conducting world, performs Strauss' finest waltzes with the London Philharmonic. If you are going to buy only one Strauss recording, let this be it. Welzer-Möst and the Philharmonic completely capture the joy and vibrancy of Strauss' music, and these renditions are possessed of an unusual rhythmic vitality. Perhaps it was the youth and enthusiasm of the conductor, but this is as fine a Strauss recording as I've ever heard.

The waltzes of Strauss capture the romantic neverland of late-19th century Vienna better than any other music. Of course, that world never actually existed, but listening to Strauss' music, one wishes it had.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A light and legato approach to Strauss waltzes from the young Welser-Most, January 5, 2006

By 

Santa Fe Listener (Santa Fe, NM USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Johann Strauss Jr.: Favorite Waltzes (Audio CD)

Franz Welser-Most was thirty in 1990 when he recorded these famous Strauss waltzes and two overtures (Gypsy Baron and Fledermaus). EMU clearly believed they had found their natural Staussian--they assigned a Thomas Hampson operetta recital and the rarely heard Simplicius to W-M. Certianly he has the touch; the Viennese rhythms are impeccable, always alive and moving. There is not a trace of the mechanical; however, W-M may be a touch too legato and light compared to a conductor like Karajan who fully dramatize these works (this is one gypsy baron without Magyar swagger or fire).

If you want waltzes that glide without touching the floor, sing sweetly, and radiate dappled sunlight, this is a five-star recording. I am holding back a star because the London Phil. doesn't play exceptionally, and I do like more drama. Even so, this super-budget CD is miles ahead of programs I've heard from Boskovsky, Mazzel, Kempe, and quite a few others.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Looking for Vienna Ballroom Music?, November 4, 2004

By 

rodboomboom (Dearborn, Michigan United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Johann Strauss Jr.: Favorite Waltzes (Audio CD)

This is it! A inexpensive yet elegant Strauss waltz collection featuring London Philharmonic Orchestra led by Franz Welzer-Most.

Although seven cuts is its entirety, it is over sixty-five minutes of just gorgeous sound to practice your waltz moves or just enjoy this relaxing, beautiful music.

A steal of a deal at this price.