Search - Magad, Barenboim, Chicago Symphony Orchestra :: Strauss: Till Eulenspiegel; Ein Heldenleben

An Heroic "Heldenleben!!!

George Littlefield | USA | 06/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing "Ein Heldenleben" and "Til Eugenspiegel" was recorded in Chicago's Orchestra Hall back in the early 90s. Unfortunately, it is currently out of print in America. However, you can order a British import CD of the performances from Amazon.com, which is precisely what I did.

I would have to say that this particular recording of "Heldenleben" is right up there with the world-famous CSO recording of the same title, directed by Fritz Reiner and recorded in "Living Stereo", from the late '50s. The difference is that the Barenboim version is recorded in even more superb stereo sound (when I play it through my 5.1 Surround Sound system, the music sounds like it was recorded in 5-Channel stereo), and the various parts of the orchestra are easier to hear and pick out while listening, especially the magnificent French horns of the CSO. When the horns play the beautiful and stirring "Hero's Victory" song, their tutti high "C" at the end it's the most inspiring and heroic version that I have ever heard on a recording. As a former French horn player myself, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

In summation, there should be room in your collection for both the Reiner version, and for the Barenboim. Both are in the stratosphere of Strauss recordings."