Search - Johannes Wildner :: STRAUSS II, J.: Edition - Vol. 25

Some rich Viennese confections.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 02/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Internet browsers who like to sate themselves on the rich Viennese confections concocted by Johann Strauss Jnr will find many delights here. The items selected range from some of the earliest to some of the last Strauss dance music compositions. The early "Explosions-Polka", heard here in its original form, is slower than the usually heard arrangement by Max Schonherr, nor did it originally have anything to do with popping champagne corks, as the accompanying notes explain. In his later years, and directing most of his energies into composing music for operettas, Strauss seldom wrote independent dances. One such, however, and one of the novelties here is the waltz "Im Zentrum!". It includes gunshots, marches, a zither solo, fanfares, and some vocal contributions from the orchestra members - truly a waltz that has everything. I especially like the quadrilles, too - Strauss's inventiveness is often most evident in these bouncy packages. Sumptuously recorded, and directed with more verve and delicacy than is usual from conductor Johannes Wildner, this 73 minute collection forms one of the highlights of the Marco Polo John Strauss Jnr Edition."