Customer Reviews

Strauss Waltzes

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

 

 

This remarkable CD was first released on LP in 1953 and re-released in stereo sound in 1958. It was one of Maestro Mantovani's classic gold records, an enormous favorite then and now. These are the original London/Decca recordings so you will hear the brilliance of the authentic Mantovani sound. To some, it may be hard to imagine today, but this album of Strauss waltzes meticulously orchestrated by the late Mantovani stayed on Billboard's charts for about 60 weeks, reaching as high as #7. For those who cannot get enough of Mantovani LPs on CD, scoop this one up fast and enjoy Vienna through the creative lush sounds created by the world's greatest light orchestra leader.

This CD has strings galore. You'll never hear strings sound so beautiful as on this particular recording of Strauss waltzes. Mantovani and his orchestra have achieved something quite special and lovely. The waltzes have an added lightness to them. Instead of heavy sluggish playing by the strings, you hear a bouncy sheer beauty in the string section---truly the gem of this CD. These pieces were recorded in the late 50's but sound magnificent. The sound that London/Decca was able to create back then was astounding. Highlights (personal favorites) on this disc are of course the Blue Danube, Emporer Waltz, and Du und Du. On top of the great sound, playing, and conducting, you'll get this CD at a bargain basement price.

I was first introduced to this Mantovani album as a child. It held a prized place in my father's record collection and although the remastering process made it louder, clearly there were limits with regard to sonic quality.

It is still my go-to recording for THE BLUE DANUBE et al. Strongly recommended!

The sound quality is out of this world!! you just want to get on the floor and dance!!

So happy I ordered this one. Its fantastic for all waltz lovers. I listen to it so much and its very relaxing.

Given that this is a vintage Decca recording from the golden age of early stereo in the usually reliable Decca Weekend Classics series, I was surprised how harsh and strident this cd sounded. Somebody goofed on the remastering. I did a scan on my scope and it appears to have been brickwall compressed at low peak volume. Very strange. Maybe this was the cassette tape master instead of the cd master they pressed. Whatever. It's fine for playing in the car or on your computer, but it will not sound good on a decent home stereo. Too bad, because this is great music and should sound superb.

This is a perfect 3 beat collection of waltze music - I am trying to get some new music to do dressage to music with my horse - it is for an elegant horse and I need 3 pieces of music 1. canter - 3 beat 2. Walk - 3 beat 3. Trot - 2 beat. The Blue Danube is good for canter but I am still searching for the rest.

How can you go wrong with a mantovani cd

The jewel case was cracked. Could not replace because it was a Christmas gift. Very disappointed that the packaging was bad.