OK classical peeps; you gave me some excellent Elgar suggestions (of which I purchased 3), and now I would like some Strauss CD guidance, and in a nod to popularity, I would like the Blue Danube included if possible, but not exclusively.
And given the modern predilection for combining composers and even orchestras/conductors on one disc, if you have a suggestion with other outstanding stuff, by all means suggest away!
Also, which Johann Strauss was the "greater" - father or son?
Posted on: 09 March 2013 by graham55
I'd suggest a few of the 'live' Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Day concerts. Specifically, the two conducted by Carlos Kleiber in 1989 and 1992 (Sony) - also available on DVDs, if you want to see Kleiber's amazing balletic style - and Herbert von Karajan's sole outing in 1987 (DG).
And the son was the greater composer (there was also a brother, Josef).
PS: You might want to consider also Kleiber's DG CD set of "Die Fledermauss", or either of the two DVDs that made of two of his performances in Munich and Vienna.
Posted on: 09 March 2013 by George Fredrik
Dear Doctor Mark,
Initially I thought the thread header referred to Richard Strauss, and I cannot offer sensible advice on his music really!
But I agree with Graham, and add in the recommendation for the 1979 New Years Day concert with Willi Boskovsky as orchestral leader cum conductor.
ATB from George
