Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Herbert von Karajan, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra, etc / Herbert von Karajan, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

As expected, it's excellent

Ray Barnes | Surrey, British Columbia Canada | 04/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is quite remarkable that Also Sprach Zarathustra was originally recorded in March, 1959, the digital remastering makes it sound like a brand new recording. The percussion here and in Till Eulenspiegel is very crisp. The performances are pretty well self-recommending. On Track 7 there is a glissando by the Vienna Philharmonic strings that makes you shake your head in disbelief. This recording is also enhanced by the excellent documentation, including the Herculean efforts by the engineers some 40 years ago to dub the organ parts, which were played at a nearby church (there was no organ at the Sofiensaal). The organ had to be re-tuned to the VPO's pitch. Quite fascinating reading indeed. I won't go so far as to say this is the one to have for this music, as Karajan's 1974 recording with the BPO of all 4 of these items is pretty great in its own right. I think Michel Schwalbe's solo violin contribution in the latter recording might tip the scales in its favour, but that's admittedly splitting hairs. Fritz Reiner's famous recording in Chicago, and Haitink, and Kempe in Dresden - just to name a few - can rub shoulders with either of the Karajans. Nonetheless, this record is very welcome indeed and can be strongly recommended, especially at medium price."

2001 Music

Trevor Gillespie | San Jose, California United States | 08/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever wondered what recording was actually used in 2001 A Space Odysee, look no further. Herbert von Karajan made a recording of this piece when this piece wasn't popular. It was a risk, but now tends to be one of the defining pieces of music by Richard Strauss. Although there is considerable hiss on this recording in the softer passages, the music is beautiful and never overshadowed by the hiss. The remastering by the folks at Decca have made sure that all the pianissimos are still wonderful. Karajan was a master of the quieter moments in a score, and teamed with the Vienna Philharmonic doing Strauss, you have a great combination. For example, listen to all of track 2 and you'll know what I mean. Of course, that isn't to say that the louder more powerful parts aren't noteworthy. Karajan was a master of those too. Perhaps that's why he was the 20th Century's greatest conductor (that's an opinion, not a fact). It's all captured well in this recording. Decca has long had a tradition of fine recordings. This remastering is superb."

Karajan Rules

Trevor Gillespie | 03/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is simply a document of just how high a standard an orchestra can achieve. Recorded before the disastrous fall out between the Vienna State Opera and Karajan. This is simply the finest recordings of this set of tone poems from Richard Strauss..bar none! For Horn players this is a special treat and nowhere on earth will you hear such incredible horn work. Somehow with other orchestras these pieces can come off either as vulgar or sloppy. Karjan and Vienna worked in these John Culshaw/DECCA productions towards a goal of utmost perfection..AND ACHIEVE IT! If you compare with Szell, these recording easily bypass Cleveland's foray into these repetoire by sounding human and even in places WARM...something the CBC Szell recordings possessed little of. Save the waste and get Karajan...these are splendid transfers with excellent playing in all departments."