Strauss: Waltzes, Polkas & Marches [Box Set] [BOX SET]

Eduard Strauss (Composer), Johann I Strauss (Composer), Johann II Strauss (Composer), Johann II and Josef Strauss (Composer), Johann II, Josef, and Eduard Strauss (Composer), Josef Strauss (Composer), Willi Boskovsky (Conductor), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Performer, Orchestra)

Product Details

• Performer: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Willi Boskovsky
• Composer: Eduard Strauss, Johann I Strauss, Johann II Strauss, Johann II and Josef Strauss, Johann II, Josef, and Eduard Strauss, et al.
• Audio CD (November 11, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B0000042GN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,998 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  #13 in	Music > Classical > Featured Composers, A-Z > ( S ) > Strauss, Josef
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  #73 in	Music > Classical > Ballets & Dances > Dances

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Boskovsky's encyclopedic collection with the Vienna Philharmonic, recorded between 1957 and 1976, is as close to definitive as one is likely to get. There was a special camaraderie between Boskovsky and the Philharmonic--he was a member of the orchestra's violin section for 37 years and conducted their New Year's Day concerts from 1955 until 1979. There was also a special empathy that these performers, as custodians of a tradition going back to its origins, felt for the music of the Strauss family. It comes across quite wonderfully on these mid-price CDs, which have been painstakingly remastered for an edition every collector should have. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Boskovsky and the Strauss Family of Vienna., June 11, 2003

By	John Austin "[e-mail]" (Kangaroo Ground, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

A long series of Strauss music recordings conducted by Willi Boskovsky provides the contents of this slender, super-compact box of 6 CDs. Those who collected the original issues should check the contents before jettisoning them, because not everything has been reissued here. I especially regret that the vocal version of "An der schönen blauen Donau" has been omitted.

No combination has ever excelled Willi Boskovsky and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in performing this repertoire. Although the waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, marches and overtures were performed over and over again by these musicians, there is never a hint of workaday routine or staleness to be heard here. Everything seems to unfold naturally. Each item's inherent character is displayed. Tiny nuances and felicities of phrasing and a balance that favors the melody and reduces the accompaniment make these performances inimitable. The performance of "Morgenblätter" seems to provide a tad more excitement and impact than the other 85 items.

The recordings were made between 1960 and 1976. They are studio recordings, not deriving from the famous New Year concerts, and all but the few items from the very earliest year provide excellent sound.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb collection, March 6, 2006

By	W. Corey "haydn aficionado" (So. California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you love or are just curious about the music of Vienna's Strauss family, this is the box set for you. You need look no further. Willi Boskovsky and the Vienna Philharmonic set the standards for the performance of these sublime waltzes, polkas and marches. The sound is fine, too, even though the recordings are not new. This is, quite simply, a magnificent set. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential collection for Strauss lovers, September 28, 2008

By	D. R. Schryer (Poquoson, VA United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Willi Boskovsky was born and trained in Vienna. Both Boskovsky and the great Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra -- of which he served as as concertmaster for forty years -- thoroughly assimilated the essence of the delightful Viennese waltzes and other music presented on these CDs. This is beautiful music superbly conducted and played by people who understand and love it. All of the favorites and many delightful lesser-known works by the Waltz King Johann Strauss II, his father Johann Strauss I, and his brothers Josef and Eduard are included in this set of six CDs. Very highly recommended.