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Mengelberg Conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben / Don Juan (also includes Wagenaar: Cyrano de Bergerac Overture)
Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra
Mengelberg Conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben / Don Juan (also includes Wagenaar: Cyrano de Bergerac Overture)
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (8) - Disc #1

Wilhelm Mengelberg was one of the great conductors of the century and this 1928 Heldenleben is one of the great recordings of the century. There's a comprehensive mastery in this recording that made it an instant classic...  more »

     
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Amazon.com
Wilhelm Mengelberg was one of the great conductors of the century and this 1928 Heldenleben is one of the great recordings of the century. There's a comprehensive mastery in this recording that made it an instant classic when it was first released and it continues to repay repeated hearings. Mengelberg's interpretive subtleties enliven what often seems just a pot-boiler; his sensitive rubatos and discreet portamentos make phrases come alive. The orchestra is perfection itself, and concertmaster Scipione Guidi's rapt violin solos are riveting. Mark Obert-Thorn's transfers make the recording sound as if it was made two decades later. The Concertgebouw items, from 1938 and 1942, are also compelling, with a fleet, vivacious Don Juan the main attraction. --Dan Davis
 

CD Reviews

At last! The great New York Heldenleben!
Ralph J. Steinberg | New York, NY United States | 07/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Strauss dedicated "Ein Heldenleben"to Mengelberg, and it's easy to see why when listening to this recording. No other conductor brings such surging life to this score. Normally, I find Mengelberg's Concertgebouw recordings even more intense than the corresponding Philharmonic versions, but this is a glorious exception. Pearl's transfer is the only one faithful to the sound of the original 78's, and preserves the wide dynamic range of the originals. The Telefunken Concertgebouw "Don Juan" also finds its best-sounding incarnation in this release. I can't imagine anyone listening to this set and not changing their minds about "Ein Heldenleben" for the better. Mengelberg is a refreshing change from today's sterile music-making. Listen and see if you agree."