Waltzes and Polkas

Johann Strauss II

Recordings

Top Choice

Willi Boskovsky / Vienna Philharmonic

1950s-1970s Very well recorded.

Top choice. The very idiomatic version. Boskovsky was concertmaster and conducted the New Year's concerts for decades. They have this in their blood. Great fun, charming, beautifully played.

Also Worth Hearing

Herbert von Karajan / Vienna Philharmonic

1987 Live recording (New Year's 1987). Features Kathleen Battle.

Another Strauss specialist. A little heavier and more lush (it's Karajan), but also very idiomatic. Unmissable, includes a beautiful 'Voices of Spring' with Kathleen Battle and the Fledermaus overture.