Customer Reviews

The Strauss Family: Waltzes, Polkas & Overtures - Willi Boskovsky/Johann Strauss Orchestra of Vienna (6 CD's)

5 star:		(3)
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Willi Boskovsky was born and trained in Vienna and served as concertmaster of the great Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for forty years. The outstanding performances of Viennese waltzes and other music by Johann Strauss II -- The Waltz King -- as well as by his father Johann I, and his brothers Josef and Eduard which are presented on these CDs make clear that Boskovsky thoroughly mastered the essence of this delightful musical idiom. This is beautiful music superbly conducted and played by people who understand and love it. All of the Strauss favorites and many delightful lesser-known works are included. Very highly recommended.

Boskovsky is one of the foremost interpreters of the music of Strauss. I have much of his material on LP, this edition on CD sounds great. Hear how Strauss most have wanted his music to be played. This CD collection is a most for anyone interested in this musical period.

The various orchestras used here all know their way and so does the conductor the absolute master of the genre. What better than this? Probably himself at different times in different collections but it is like to try to split hair here. Great music do not need more than this!

You will find my scathing review of the exact same artist, orchestra, apparent collection of Strauss Family works, on the other box set. Apparently this conductor and orchestra created two distinct performances at different times.
This is superior to the newer? version. I bought this to replace the other set.
Better conducting. Better meter. The orchestra is watching the conductor, because all sections of the orchestra are playing the same notes in the same measure at the same meter, in the same key, at the same time. If you play "On The Blue Danube" side by side, you will immediately hear the difference.