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Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra - de Waart

Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra - de Waart

Exton  OVCL-218

Stereo/Multichannel Hybrid

Classical - Orchestral


Richard Strauss: Also sprach Zarathustra, Don Juan, Rosenkavalier Suite

Radio Filharmonisch Orkest Holland
Edo de Waart (conductor)

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Review by John Broggio - March 4, 2008

This disc reminds one of the "hi-fi demonstration" discs that added pimples to the face of classical music in years past.

The engineering, it must be admitted, is extraordinary both as a spectacle and in its clarity that sounds like its obtained without obvious spotlighting. Full marks to the Exton team.

Unfortunately, in common with many of the kind in the past, the performances are not of the same order. For the most part, the Radio Filharmonisch Orkest Holland plays very well, there are some of the more fiendishly difficult moments of Also sprach Zarathustra that audibly tax the trumpets however. Less good though is the solo violin contribution of Ronald Hoogeveen - in the waltz sequence, his interpretation is not in the least subtle and in fact is very rough and ready from a musical perspective.

By far and away the least appealing perspective though is the conducting of Edo de Waart. To describe the grasp of the structure as routine is far too flattering. The glorious orchestration of Strauss is revealed in all its glory but the hero of Don Juan would have ladies of the night averting their gaze irrespective of the size of the offer! The same level of narrative excitement is revealed for the other tone poem; only in the suite from Der Rosenkavalier does the music come to life in some measure - it is really difficult not to do so in this gorgeous music. I really feel for the orchestra (leader and trumpets apart) - they are playing their hearts out in spite of what is going on in front of them but ultimately it is not enough to make the disc an enjoyable experience.

Not recommended.

Copyright © 2008 John Broggio and HRAudio.net

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Sonics (Multichannel):

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