Customer Reviews

Johann Strauss: Waltzes

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

No orchestra in the world has ever known how to play the waltzes of Johann Strauss Jr. as well as the Wiener Philharmoniker . . . and no conductor has ever led the Philharmoniker in this repertoire in as perfect a Strauss style as Willi Boskovsky (the orchestra's long-time concertmaster). The sine qua non of Strauss playing, the famous Viennese lilting afterbeats (where the second of the three beats of the waltz tempo comes infinitesimally early, rather than in strict time) is here. Tempos perfectly "in the groove" are here. Accept no substitutes: in this repertoire, this combination of performers is the absolute gold standard.

The spirit of Waltz acquires - in the supreme baton of this talented conductor - a very special label of aristocratic refinement, that panache and nuance that we possibly will not listen any more, because beneath the score, one may feel a sort of pulse and a nestled majesty immersed in the performance.

Many other directors previously and in the future will have the chance to play these Waltzes but nobody will fit the sublime éclat of him.

Excellent product for the price. Can't comment on the performance per se, having no real background in classical music, but the Strass Waltzes are very pleasing to me, and I would buy this CD again.

This CD of lovely Strauss waltzes, marches and polkas is conducted with true Viennese flair by the incomparable Willi Boskovsky. It is not only top of the line in fine sound, but also, a true bargain. Any lover of this type of melodious fare should purchase this without qualms or reservation. More colloquially put, they should 'snap it up'!

These are old recordings that are well done but the newer renditions that I've heard are better when played on a surround sound system.

We recently watched the old The Strauss Family DVD series and were charmed and amazed by the family and its music. I wanted a CD to bring back the charm of that series. I chose music by Johann II because I liked his music better in the DVD.

Fortunately, I followed the advice of other Amazon reviewers and bought this particular album. IT IS GORGEOUS! The symphony is much better than the one on the DVD.

I highly recommend this Strauss CD.

Vienna born Willi Boskovsky -- and the great Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra of which he served as concertmaster for forty years -- thoroughly assimilated the essence of the delightful Viennese waltzes and polkas presented on this CD. This is beautiful music superbly conducted and played by people who understand and love it. Very highly recommended.

Strauss is wonderful to listen to and his waltzes is some of the best available. My Classical collection is growing by using Amazon.

I'm sure the music is wonderful, I just can't listen to it. Both in my car (RNS-510 stereo) and on my laptop there is an awful hissing noise throughout the recording.