Search - Richard [1] Strauss, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Strauss: Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40

Terrific Performance of Strauss Masterpieces

T. Schmalz | New Jersey | 01/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Those very first notes of "Ein Heldenleben" on the strings just knocks your socks off! The performance dates from 1959 and the current remastering makes it seem that it was recorded yesterday! The performance, itself, is full of color, vitality and all the sheer beauty that one usually associates with the music of Richard Strauss. Karajan has recorded this piece several times and the present one is, by far, the best. The coupling is Strauss' equally entertaining "Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche." The recording was done in the 70s and is wonderfully played. The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is in fine form and there are no complaints about Karajan's approach. An amazing recording through and through; highly recommendable."

The Best Heldenleben

James W. Galbraith | Sunnyside, Washington USA | 02/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always thought this was the best Heldenleben going back to when I bought the record back in the 60's. I have the Rattle/BPO recording on EMI. It is very good but the Karajan is better. The violinist is perfect with much to do in this piece. Karajan generates enthusiasm at every bend of the river and the recording itself is excellent. The remastering job is super. This recording is better than Karajan's second effort especially in the violin work. A must buy. The support piece, Till

Eulenspiegl is very good as well."

Among Karajan's Best Recordings

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 07/17/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Tis a terrific coupling, with Karajan's Deutsche Grammophon debut recording of Ein Heldenleben from 1959 with an early 1970s recording of Till Eulenspiegel, that demonstrates his mastery not only of Richard Strauss' tone poem scores, but also of the Berliner Philharmoniker. In both works concertmaster Michel Schwalbe excels in virtuoso violin solos. Like another reviewer, I am quite simply amazed by the excellent sound quality of these recordings; both truly sound as though they were recorded yesterday, thanks to Deutsche Grammophon's state-of-the-art digital image bit remastering. Karajan's riveting, quite warm, account of Ein Heldenleben is a rather leisurely one, but it works, as a truly inspiring account of a "hero's life", blessed of course with exceptional performances from both Schwalbe and the rest of the Berliner Philharmoniker. Karajan's interpretation of Till Eulenspiegel is also impressive for its warmth and clarity. Fans of Herbert von Karajan, Richard Strauss and the Berliner Philharmoniker will definitely want to add this remastered CD to their collections."