Search - Richard Strauss, Wolfgang Sawallisch, The Philadelphia Orchestra :: Strauss - Also sprach Zarathustra · Burleske · Don Juan / Ax · The Philadelphia Orchestra · Sawallisch

One of the best recordings of Also Sprach Zarathustra, so...

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 11/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without a doubt, Wolfgang Sawallisch is one of our foremost interpreters of Richard Strauss. Why this splendid CD is no longer available remains a mystery to me. His gripping account of Strauss's "Also Sprach Zarathustra" may not be as exaggerated as others, but nonetheless it is a splendid version played by one of America's great orchestras. The Philadelphia Orchestra's playing is as lively and warm as any I've heard from their peers in Berlin and Vienna. Both Sawallisch and the Philadelphians are splendid partners for Emmanuel Ax, who offers one of the flashiest performances of Strauss's "Burleske" I've heard yet, replete with great keyboard pyrotechnics. By virtue of these two fine performances this CD is worth owning. As for Sawallisch's rendition of "Don Juan", it is fine in its own right, but isn't nearly as emotionally stirring as those from Reiner or Karajan. Let's hope this fine CD is available again soon."

Great recording! Too bad Ormandy didn't have this kind of s

Charles Emmett | Oroville, California (the boonies) | 07/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must bite my previous words and express my gratitude for this recording. I thought I would never hear the PHO play Richard Strauss like Ormandy played him again. I was wrong. The orchestra is so maginificent and the Maestro really shows his interpretive skills here. I can hear why he is considered the premier R. Strauss conductor of the day.The Philadelphia Orchestra is so powerful yet such warmth and beautiful tone. Thank you Maestro Muti for giving a refinement to this orchestra and Maestro Sawallisch for carrying it on.I highly recommend this recording as a staple in an overall collection of classical music. A building block of a personal library.I said that it is too bad that Maestro Ormandy did not have this kind of venue for recording. It would be wonderful to compare the two. I have listened to both, obviously, and there are minor differences, yet Struass is served magnificently.I have my order in for 'Ein Heldenleben'. It is out of stock, but I am waiting patiently so I can play Sawallisch and Ormandy side by side and admire their musicianship and how they command this great orchestra."