Mehta/VPO: 1990 New Year's Concert - Sony Classical S 45808 (DDD)

$

55

ITEM DESCRIPTION:

This outstanding and very rare LP from Sony Classical (S 45808, Dutch pressing, silver label, DDD stereo, insert included) features Zubin Mehta and the Vienn Philharmonic Orchestra’s splendid 1990 New Year’s Concert, made “live” at the Grosser Musikvereinssall, Vienna on 1 January 1990 (producer: Peter Laenger / engineer: Andreas Neubronner).

The exact selections chosen by Mehta on this memorable occasion were as follows:

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Einzugsmarsch, from Der Zigeunbaron (2:45)

Joseph Strauss

            Die Emancipirte · Polka Mazur Op. 282 (3:46)

Johann Strauss Sr.

            Indianer-Galopp Op. 111 (2:08)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Donauweiben · Walzer nach Motiven der Operette Simplicius Op. 427 (8:57)

Joseph Strauss

            Sport-Polka (schnell) Op. 170 (1:44)

Joseph Strauss

            Sympathie · Polka Mazur Op. 73 (5:03)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Wiener Blut Waltzer Op. 354 (8:58)

Johann Strauss Jr.

Im Sturmschritt Polka schnell Op. 354 (nach Motiven der Operette Indigo und die vierzig Räuber) (2:23)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Geschichten aus dem Wienerwald Op. 325 (11:49)

            (zither solo: Georg Glasl)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Tritsch-Tratsch Polka schnell Op. 214 (2:24)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            Explosions-Polka Op. 43 (2:02)

Johann Strauss Jr.

            An der schönen blauen Donau Walzer Op. 314 (10:06)

Johann Strauss Sr.

            Radetzky-Marsch Op. 228 (3:25)

Wrote the critic A.M.L. in his review for the April 1990 issue of The Gramophone:

“This CD of the 1990 New Year Concert reached me within six weeks of the concert itself. Yet it shows anything but signs of any hasty preparation. Indeed it is a most admirable demonstration of how to combine musical fun and enjoyment with artistic excellence and represents a most impressive introduction to the new Sony label.

“This must, indeed, be one of the most enjoyable of all the recorded New Year concerts. The programme is well chosen to mix the familiar and the less so, with applause tastefully and atmospherically linking the items. To hear the VPO playing Strauss, moreover, is to marvel afresh at the unique sheen and delicacy they bring to this music—at any rate when under a conductor as sympathetic as Zubin Mehta proves himself here. Only An der schOnen, blauen Donau, in its usual position as encore, really falls below the highest standards of interpretation, for the principal theme is lingered over to an extent that rather destroys the natural flow of the music.

“Otherwise all is totally beguiling, right from the bounce and swagger of the "Einzugsmarsch" from Der Zigeunerbaron through to a RadetzkyMarsch that is rightly greeted with triumphant cheers. Geschjchten otis dem Wienerwald and Wiener B/ut represent the more familiar waltz repertoire, but they cede nothing in excellence here to the less familiar Donauweibchen, in which the melodies soar quite joyously. The quick-polka Im Sturmschritt is no less impressive, with dynamic gradations superbly done. A word must be said, too, for the appropriateness of the elder Johann Strauss's rousing Indianer-Galopp for this Viennese concert conducted by a Viennese-educated Indian. The beautifully spacious and clean Sony sound makes its own valuable contribution to a most successful, most delightful issue.”

Incidentally, the festive cover photo of Mehta was taken by Susesch Bayat. Included is a near full-size insert with insightful liner notes – provided in English, French, German, and Italian – by Walter Gürtelschmied.

CONDITION – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

The gradations of condition I use are as follows: MINT, Near-Mint, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

The condition of the jacket is VERY GOOD. There is a minor bend/crease to the upper-right corner, as well as slight edgewear and very mild discoloration to the rear panel. However, there are no seamsplits, bends, or owners' markings the album remains solid, bright, glossy, and highly attractive– overall, a very handsome collector's copy.

The condition of the near full-size insert is EXCELLENT. There is some very faint spotting and slight traces of handling, but otherwise it remains in fine condition, the page bright and crisp.

The condition of the LP itself is EXCELLENT. There seems to be a very slight warp to the LP, but is barely noticeable, and which does not affect play whatsoever. That is the only flaw barring a near-MINT grading. There are no spindle trails, scratches, tics, or other audio defects and the sound remains superb – overall, this rates as a fine collector's copy.