Karajan and the Strauss Family

Strauss family music is for most the introduction in the universe of classical music. Beautiful melodies of an intoxicating dance sweep everyone in the uniquely rich sound of a symphonic orchestra. However that is just the first step. Once you get passed the surface beauty you start discovering that not even what seem leasure pieces are not interpreted equally by the masters of the baton. And one step further you realize that a lot of the interpretations leave a lot to be desired.

As such, myself, as probably a lot of you, I began a journey to find the recordings that do justice to both the wonderful dance and the huge amount of skilful music. The journey stopped at Herbert von Karajan. From the greats he is the one that manages to recreate the entire personality of these creations. He brings them to life and makes them vibrant, elegant, and seductive in the most charming way. Whether with the help of the magnificent begemoth that was the Berliner Philharmoniker or through the infinitely subtle and elegant voice of the Wiener Philharmoniker Strauss's music comes to life in the most amazing way.

I chose to illustrate one of the numerous meeting of HvK with the Strausses with one of the most emotional documents: the recording of the New Year's Concert in Vienna, in 1987, just two years before his death.

Every virtue that Karajan version of the numerous pieces you find in this recording is enriched here with the energy and thrill of a live event of such magnitude. Every voice in the orchestra can be heard perfectly, in a fine texture that upholsters a powerful pulse of perfect rythm. Elegance and brilliance, gorgeous tone and mesmerizing power, music serious to the bone and an unfailing sense of humour that knows when to let everybody smile and enjoy the beautiful ballroom enthusiasm.

I am not saying that nobody does it better, but for me is the version that makes everything pale and boring. Grace, elegance, power, fun, and thrill in an uniquely skilful interpretation.