Wiener Philharmoniker, Willi Boskovsky - Johann Strauss: Waltzes (1994)

For many years, Willi Boskovsky led the Vienna Philharmonic during the famous New Year's concerts. Violinist and conductor, he had this "Viennese Blood" essential to understand the music of Strauss and know how to mark the dynamics in the most accurate way. Although recorded many years ago (60' and 70') the recording was thoroughly remastered, giving us a fresh sound clarity as if it was recorded during last year's New Year's Concert.

The CD includes the most famous waltzes by Johann Strauss (the Blue Danube, Emperor Waltz, Tales of the Vienna Woods...), along with 2 other ones written by his younger brother Joseph (Spharenklange and Dorschwalben aus Ostorreich). The performances are really stunning. I've listened to a lot of Strauss waltzes performed by different ensembles, but none come closer to these versions of the Vienna Philharmonic. The lecture of Boskovsky is really inspired, and in the exact same spirit of the New Year's Concert, performed each year in Vienna by the same orchestra.

If you're not familiar with Strauss music, get this CD. It will give you a great overview of his music and wonderful melodies you can listen to anytime. And even if you're familiar with the Strauss family, this CD is a must to have as it covers the most famous pages written by the Waltz King by one of his most faithful performers.