Vienna Philharmonic plays Strauss: Emperor Waltz and other Favorites

Read About This Recording

These recordings represent the homage of the Vienna Philharmonic to the Strauss family, a musical dynasty whose genius and charm have conquered the world and become synonymous with Vienna, the Imperial City. It is the desire of the Philharmonic not only to provide musically definitive interpretations of the masterworks of this genre, but at the same time, as musical ambassadors of Austria, to send people all over the globe a world-wide greeting in the spirit of hope, friendship and peace.

Willi Boskovsky was the concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic from 1936 to 1979, and specialized in leading the orchestra in the works of Johann Strauss and his contemporaries, most famously via the immensely popular New Year's Day Concerts, enjoyed each year by a world-wide audience of millions. His style appealed to many Strauss aficionados as he directed Strauss' music in the manner of the vorgeige, literally directing the orchestra with the violin just as Johann Strauss himself did and popularized during his life, as he toured the world playing his famous dance compositions to eager listeners. In his day, Willi Boskovsky, said to have the "Viennese lilt in his genes," was considered one of the great exponents of the Viennese Waltz. And these performances are indeed imbued with a wholly idiomatic rubato, irresistible flow and a nearly discernible smile among the players.

This must-have recording includes such popular favorites as "Emperor Waltz," "Roses from the South," "Acceleration," "Delirium" and many more, all played by the Vienna Philharmonic, whom many consider the world's greatest orchestra. We invite you to enjoy this rich bounty of one of the world's great traditions.

—Terrence London

Quotes

"When you hear the love in his [Boskovsky] performances with all those scrumptious tempos and rhythmic inflections, you know you're hearing something extra special." —Classical Music—The Listeners Guide

Contents

Strauss Sr.: Loreley-Rhein-Klänge, Op. 154; Strauss Jr.: Roses From the South, Op. 388; Vergnügungszug, Op. 281; Emperor Waltz, Op. 437; Leichtes Blut, Op. 319; 'S gibt nur a Kaiserstadt, 's gibt nur a Wien, Op. 291; Snowdrops, Op. 143; Acceleration, Op. 234; Bitte schön; Persian March, Op. 289; Tik-Tak Polka, Op. 365; Josef Strauss: Die Emancipirte, Op. 282; Delirium, Op. 212; Eduard Strauss: Mit Extrapost, Op. 259.

Vienna Philharmonic; Willi Boskovsky, Conductor.