Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Andre Previn, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier/Four Symphonic Interludes/Introduction And Moonlight Music/Salomes Tanz

Needs a good kick...

JPH | Crawley | 08/30/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Vienna Philharmonic, Previn, Richard Strauss... on paper this sounds like a sure-win formula for a classic Strauss CD. Not quite so. The first glitch is Deutche Grammomphon's loathsome 4D technology - it captures the VPO's sound badly: woolly bass frequencies, bloated mid-range frequencies, and an attenuated top-end. Fortunately, it did not completely warp the sound of the Viennese strings - there are moments of sweet beauty to be savored, particularly in the Intermezzo and Capriccio extracts. Unfortunately, the other injury to the VPO comes in the form of Previn. It seems he was in a sonnambulistic mood of sorts, and the entire performance suffers from an interminable haze of laziness --- rhythms are often slack and droopy, particularly in the "Rosenkavalier" piece and musical expression often turgid. Listen to Rudolf Kempe's recordings of the same music and see how much more lilt, affection and zip could be put into this music.Not a success."

Outstanding and quintessential Vienna Philharmonic/Strauss r

F. Boloix | Idaho, USA | 11/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A must-have particularly for lovers of great string and horn playing. This recording is not about the conductor but about the music - perhaps the highest compliment one can give any conductor. Previn knows that this orchestra understands and feels this music like no other - he simply lets them sing. The Rosenkavalier Suite is anthological both in terms of style, phrasing and sound. The quiet waltz (Ohne mich...) is wonderfully delicate and played in the subtle Viennese Waltz rythm that other orchestras never seem to get; the trio finale with the fabulous horns soaring over the strings is glorious. Perhaps the most beautiful example of the Vienna Horn sound is heard in the long horn solo in Moonlight Music (Capriccio) - played by Wolfgang Tomboeck jr., it's simply gorgeous and I can't listen to it often enough. The other selections are likewise very impressive. This is one of Previn's best."