Fritz Reiner Conducts Richard Strauss (5-CD)

“This represents the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at its peak, and Reiner had no peer as a conductor of the orchestral music of Richard Strauss. If anything, Reiner’s no-nonsense style is even more suited to the charmed, chamber-like Le bourgeois gentilhomme.” — Fanfare

Fritz Reiner’s legendary recordings of Richard Strauss’ orchestral works have stood the test of time and remain ranked among the best. His 1954 recording of Also sprach Zarathustra was one of the earliest commercially available stereo recordings ever produced, heralding a new era of recording for orchestras with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as its leader. Enjoy here performances by the CSO, alongside soloists Byron Janis, Inge Borke, Francis Yeend and Paul Schoeffler.

Strauss Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30
1954, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life), Op. 40
1954, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Don Quixote
John Weicher violin
Milton Preves viola
Antonio Janigro cello
1959, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Don Juan
1954, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Elektra, Monologue, Duet and Recognition Scene
Inge Borkh soprano
Francis Yeend soprano
Paul Schoeffler baritone
Chicago Lyric Opera Chorus
1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Salome, “Dance of the Seven Veils”
1954, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Salome, “Final Monologue”
Inge Borkh soprano
1955, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Burleske for Piano and Orchestra
Byron Janis piano
1957, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Waltzes (arr. Reiner)
1957, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration), Op. 24
RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra

Strauss Domestic Symphony, Op. 53
1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Strauss Der Bürger als Edelmann (Le bourgeois gentilhomme), Suite
1956, Orchestra Hall, Chicago

Discs: 5
Record Label: Sony
Release Year: 2010