Search - Willi Boskovsky :: Wiener Bonbons

Delightful Boskovsky Small Ensemble Plays Classic Viennese S

Doug - Haydn Fan | California | 05/23/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This charming issue is here reissued by Brilliant Classics, and consists of two full Cds of Willi Boskovsky and his small ensemble playing light Viennese waltzes, polkas, gallops, and dances. There are 9 selections by Johann Strauss Sr.; 10 selections by Josef Lanner; 4 by the Waltz King, Johann Strauss Jr; and five other short pieces, including Schubert's Dances, Op 9, and Beethoven's Altweiner Tanz - Dances of Old Vienna.



The music is infectiously lyric, and the Boskovsky Ensemble manages to milk the melodies without ever quite overdoing it. (Unless you just don't like the Viennese Waltz - and if so, shame on you!) The string playing is echt Wien, and generally this is about as easy to listen to as any classical music could be. Music for a warm summer evening - without the pomposity of a full orchestra blasting away, and with a welcome hop to its gait to keep things from becoming too pretty. I tend to prefer this side of Boskovsky's leadership to his role as the leader of the full Vienna Philharmonic, with the smaller group he finds a more cavorting, bouncy style, the delights come quickly and steadily, and the rythmic and melodic elements emerge in very direct and spontaneous readings of genuine affection and joy. As added bonus, some of the string playing is not only charming, but beautiful, too.



These were originally recorded for Vanquard in analog, and the always touchy sounds emanating from the violins come across very nicely in this transfer from the original medium. Most of the performances feature strings only, but there are some sections with woodwinds.



This is the music that made Vienna famous, and if the simpler and lighter small group with its airy transparency sounds appealing you might try looking around for a used copy. If you enjoy Strauss waltzes you'll probably find you enjoy playing this CD more than the usual heavy-weight versions from the major orchestras complete with several score of musicians and a full battery of brass and timpani!



The Brilliant Cd was a budget issue, so with any luck you should find a very reasonably priced copy. Mine cost (used) only a few dollars, and with any luck you'll soon find one at a good price. Amazon UK has a picture of the cover - hopefully that will help in the search."