Richard Strauss Wolfgang Sawallisch The Philadelphia Orchestra - Strauss Sinfonia DomesticaTill Eulenspiegels Lustige StreicheFestliches Praludium (9 tracks) +Album Reviews

Gorgeous Strauss by Sawallisch and Philadelphia Orchestra

John L. Turner MD | Deptford, New Jersey United States | 04/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first of the widely-acclaimed R. Strauss CDs conducted by the greatest living Strauss-conductor, Wolfgang Sawallisch, with the Philadelphia Orchestra, which Sawallisch has restored to its' Stokowski-Ormandy splendor. This recording consists of concert performances in Suntory Hall, Tokyo. Any "quibbles" one might have can be ascribed to the all-too-common EMI Producer, "Balance"-Engineer, the Choice of Editors, and the sound of the organ used (hardly what Strauss would have imagined). Other CDs in the Strauss series include: "Ein Heldenleben"; the Oboe Concerto with Richard Woodhams; "Four Last Songs" and several orchestrated songs with Barbara Hendricks; "Burleske" for Piano and Orchestra with Emanuel Ax; "Don Juan"; and "... Zarathustra". Sawallisch wanted to continue the Strauss recordings beyond those made, including "Death and Transfiguration", "Eine Alpenfonie", "Macbeth", orchestral excerpts from "Capriccio", "Aus Italien", "Metamorphosen", and more of the late works, including the Duet-Concertino for Clarinet and Bassoon. EMI refused; perhaps that is not a bad thing: affiliation with Andante.com; resumption of broadcasts in 1997 (now on PBS); taping and transfer to CD-R (Audio); and Sawallisch's astonishing vigor and programming have added to my CD collection! It's EMI's loss! John Turner, MD"

Magnificent Orchestral Colour & Organ Thrilling Sound

James Michael Scott | Nashville, TN United States | 04/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First hearing of this recording (the opening band, Festival Prelude for Orchestra & Organ) was on a local Public Radio fund-raising evening, and the sound was so thrilling that I had to pull over on the interstate beltway and stop the car to hear the detail more clearly. Total surprise (in addition to the splendid playing) was the applause at the end of the opening band. Didn't know until then that this was a Live recording. Exceptional orchestral colour, sweeping and grand "old style" conducting pacing. One of the finest live recordings that I own. This was removed from the EMI catalog for some time, shortly after I bought my first copy of this CD. Very pleased that it is now available again."

Magnificent !

biko | Taipei, Taiwan | 04/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a live recording in Suntory Hall, Tokyo where I personally deem a better place for sound effect than Philadelphia Hall. The legendary "Philadelphia Sound" is thoroughly revealed along with heartfelt warmth in this CD. In " Festive Prelude" the tempo is well controlled under the baton and the excitement are always there. The "Sinfonia Domestica" is also played with refinement and nobility. In view of the rare combination of the recording location and the orchestra, this is a must-have for anyone who is interested in these repertoires."

A Perfect Strauss Concert

D. A Wend | Buffalo Grove, IL USA | 04/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a recording of concerts given in Suntory Hall, Tokyo by the Philadelphia Orchestra in 1993, and with Strauss expert Wolfgang Swallisch at the held we are in for a memorable performance.

The CD begins with the seldom heard Festliches Praludium (1913), scored for an immense orchestra with a virtuoso organ part. The piece was written for the Vienna Konzerthaus and is a grandly orchestrated, dramatic overture that is indeed perfect for consecrating a building or opening a concert. I happened to hear the Festliches Praludium played on the radio and immediately went in search of the recording. There is a hint, to my ears anyway, of the later Josephs Legende in the music.

A joyous performance of Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche (1894) follows. The Philadelphia plays beautifully and the music comes off with humor and perfect precision, like someone telling a story. The final work is the Sinfonia Domestica (1904), written by Strauss to immortalize himself and his family. The music describes in detail life in the Strauss family beginning with Strauss himself returning home, themes describing his wife Pauline and his son, a love scene between Strauss and his wife and the familiar quarrel music that had its beginning in the quarrel scene in Salome between Herod and Herodias. The symphony is beautifully played by the Philadelphia Orchestra with care taken over subtle shadings and tempi to convey the right mood and colors. Wolfgang Swallisch contributed a short essay on the Sinfonia Domestica for the booklet that describes the "action" in some detail.

I read the complaints of one reviewer concerning the fact these are live performances and that there are some distracting noises, aside from applause at the end of each work there is nothing to disturb the listener. The recording quality is first class and is beautifully balanced and clear.

"

Search - Richard Strauss, Wolfgang Sawallisch, The Philadelphia Orchestra :: Strauss: Sinfonia Domestica/Till Eulenspiegels Lustige Streiche/Festliches Praludium

CD Details

Similar CDs

Similarly Requested CDs

CD Reviews