Customer Reviews

Salute to Vienna - A Strauss Gershwin Gala

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

 

 

Great performances and a stellar cast. Gregory Peck is superb, and Maestro John Morris Russell breathes new life in American classics, performed in Europe's muscial mecca. Sparkling Austrian gems complete this entertaining and moving concert performance.

It's the kind of concert that makes you determined to travel to Vienna to see it first-hand.
I love Strauss! But I am not some kind of long-hair who is completely hung up on the technicalities of music, conducting or interpretation. To me, the music of Strauss is to be enjoyed without much thought of such aspects as interpretation and style, and yet because this music is so familiar, there is a need to ensure that it does not become boring.
This concert is somewhat "chocolate box" in that it contains works which are popular and much loved. A selection of the best.
Gregory Peck as host is surprisingly stilted - reading carefully from his script. Easily excused given his age.
But the orchestra! Mostly smiling, all enjoying themselves. All loving the concert just as much as those of us facing them. Their reactions to the playful apsects of the various works is delightful.
The concert hall is beautiful - filled with flowers, beautifully dressed patrons and gorgeous decore.
The music is rich. The sound is high quality (5.1 Dolby) the (widescreen) video is perfect on my 42" plasma which tends to pick out the minutest faults.
I watched this DVD twice in two days. And I want to watch it again. I have just ordered the New Year's Concerts from 2000 to 2005 but sadly can't find a DVD of the 2001 concert!
If swirling fun-filled all-enveloping music is for you - you will love this DVD. Trust me!

I'm totally impressed w/ video & audio quality. Esp when played in DTS mode, sound clarity is absolutely stunning. Only reason for **** rating is because I don't like Gershwin. Blue Danube at end is just beautiful.

My new copy of the dvd was defective. It kept freezing throughout the performance. I purchased it for the Vienna Boys Choir and the Harlem Boys Choir as it was advertised. But, neither choir appears until late in the dvd. I wouldn't purchase it again.