Customer Reviews

Strauss Waltzes

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

 

 

For many years Willi Boskovsky, concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic, led his orchestra in its annual New Year's Day Concert series. I believe this splendid collection is recorded from many of these concerts, featuring both familiar and lesser known Strauss waltzes. Boskovsky was a superlative technician at the podium, but also one with much emotion, capturing the essence of Strauss's light-hearted music. Those in search of a definitive Strauss waltz collection need look no further.

Before purchasing this two-CD set last year ..., I did considerable shopping for the "perfect" Strauss collection. Even at the time of purchase, all the Boskovsky hype left a nagging concern that these pieces might reflect too much Willi and not enough Strauss.

No need for concern. This offering is a treasure.

Part of Maestro Boskovsky's secret seems to be a perfect mix of technique and technicality -- a blend to please the romantic, the purist, and even us music lovers who are a little of both. His conducting reflects feeling and passion but without crossing the line and affecting the integrity of the music.

And the selection is great. Not only do we get the usual "suspects" but some slightly lesser known waltzes as well. Don't miss the energetic performance of Morning Papers, with its memorable brass passages played here to perfection.

Don't worry that it isn't a DDD recording; it's great digital stereo. Besides, it's the Vienna Philharmonic and Boskovsky! Highly recommended.

I have had this set for almost 2 -3 years now. This set easily betters most other sets of waltzes I have heard. Highly recommended

No one plays the Strauss waltzes like the Vienna Philharmonic. From their signature lilt to their shimmering polish, this music is in their blood. This collection presents the legendary Boskovsky recordings in a nice mid-price package, and despite the German-only track listings (where's my dictionary!) it's the ideal choice for collectors worldwide.

Willi Boskovsky was born in Vienna. He, and the great Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra of which he served as concertmaster for forty years, thoroughly assimilated the essence of the Strauss idiom. All of the most famous waltzes by Johann Strauss II are included on these two CDs. Also presented are two of the finest waltzes by his talented brother, Josef. This is beautiful music superbly conducted and played by people who understand and love it. Very highly recommended.

I find the selection excelent but I regret that the titles are in German. Unless you speak German there is no way to learn the title of any of the waltz. A real pitty. The 3 stars I give it is because of the lack of English titles.The amazing thing is that the publishing company is British! Bloody mess!