Audio CD review:
Richard Strauss, Johan Wagenaar, Willem Mengelberg, Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra - Mengelberg Conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben / Don Juan (also includes Wagenaar: Cyrano de Bergerac Overture)

Richard Strauss, Johan Wagenaar, Willem Mengelberg, Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra - Mengelberg Conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben / Don Juan (also includes Wagenaar: Cyrano de Bergerac Overture)

Band: Richard Strauss, Johan Wagenaar, Willem Mengelberg, Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra Title: Mengelberg Conducts Strauss: Ein Heldenleben / Don Juan (also includes Wagenaar: Cyrano de Bergerac Overture) Rating: Release Date: 21 April, 1998 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero 2: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero's Adversaries 3: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero's Companion 4: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero's Battlefield 5: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero's Works Of Peace 6: Ein Heldenleben Op.40: The Hero's Retreat From The World And Fulfilment 7: Don Juan, Op. 20 8: Cyrano de Bergerac: Overture 'Cyrano de Bergerac'

Editoral Review There's a comprehensive mastery in this recording that made it an instant classic when it was first released and it continues to repay repeated hearings. Wilhelm Mengelberg was one of the great conductors of the century and this 1928 Heldenleben is one of the great recordings of the century. Mengelberg's interpretive subtleties enliven what often seems just a pot-boiler; his sensitive rubatos and discreet portamentos make phrases come alive. The orchestra is perfection itself, and concertmaster Scipione Guidi's rapt violin solos are riveting. Mark Obert-Thorn's transfers make the recording sound as if it was made two decades later. The Concertgebouw items, from 1938 and 1942, are also compelling, with a fleet, vivacious Don Juan the main attraction. --Dan Davis .. You can see a complete list of all Richard Strauss, Johan Wagenaar, Willem Mengelberg, Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra discography, or go back to the Richard Strauss, Johan Wagenaar, Willem Mengelberg, Scipione Guidi, Concertgebouw Orchestra - Amsterdam, New York Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra tabs