R. Strauss Alpensinfonie; Don Juan
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Richard Strauss
Label: Decca
Magazine Review Date: 6/1990
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 70
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 421 815-2DH
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(Eine) Alpensinfonie, 'Alpine Symphony' |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Herbert Blomstedt, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer San Francisco Symphony Orchestra |
Don Juan |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Herbert Blomstedt, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer San Francisco Symphony Orchestra |
Composer or Director: Richard Strauss
Label: Decca
Magazine Review Date: 6/1990
Media Format: Cassette
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
DDD
Catalogue Number: 421 815-4DH
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(Eine) Alpensinfonie, 'Alpine Symphony' |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Herbert Blomstedt, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer San Francisco Symphony Orchestra |
Don Juan |
Richard Strauss, Composer
Herbert Blomstedt, Conductor Richard Strauss, Composer San Francisco Symphony Orchestra |
Author:
Both these works depend heavily for their full effect on the quality of performance. Performed less than wholeheartedly, they can make out a case for the views of their detractors. Blomstedt's performance, like Haitink's and Karajan's, is wholehearted and is magnificently played by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. His tempos are slower, but he justifies his expansive treatment of the penultimate Ausklang section because it comes as the noble consummation of an interpretation in which the work's deeper and more spiritual elements emerge powerfully from the tone-painting.
Decca's recording is vivid and spacious, with a wide dynamic range. Not the least of the virtues of Blomstedt's conducting is his scrupulous observance of Strauss's dynamics. Consequently the great climaxes when they come are really thrilling and impressive and the entry of the organ makes an awe-inspiring effect. How well balanced both performance and recording are, too. We hear the important part given to the bass tuba in ideal perspective, for example. The strings are as mellow and supple as Berlin's, with subtle use of vibrato: the solo playing in the ''Wandering by the brook'' section is most beautiful. Other outstanding moments are provided by the trumpets in ''Vision'', the poetic oboe in ''On the summit'' and the clarinet, cor anglais and flute in the ''Calm before the storm''. If you want to sample the excellence of recording and performance, try track No. 15, ''The sun gradually dims''. One can feel the heat and light departing and the chill entering one's bones. Superb playing, typical of a very fine issue which also offers an excellent Don Juan as make-weight.'
Explore the world’s largest classical music catalogue on Apple Music Classical.
Included with an Apple Music subscription. Download now.
Gramophone Digital Club
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Events & Offers
From £9.20 / month
SubscribeGramophone Club
- Print Edition
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Events & Offers
From £11.45 / month
Subscribe
If you are a library, university or other organisation that would be interested in an institutional subscription to Gramophone please click here for further information.