Eine Alpensinfonie (An Alpine Symphony)

Richard Strauss

Op. 64

Recordings

Top Choice

Rudolf Kempe / Staatskapelle Dresden

1971

Top choice, from an excellent complete set. Kempe has a mastery of the score. Beautiful colors, drama of the journey, sense of overcoming elements. Very dramatic, powerful, and a good introduction to Strauss.

Also Worth Hearing

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1980 Early digital recording, sounds excellent.

A demonstration disc. The interpretation has a 'chilliness' that evokes the Alps, maybe less drama than Kempe, but brilliant. Climaxes are incredible.

Zubin Mehta / Los Angeles Philharmonic

1975 Vintage Decca quality sound.

An excellent, powerful interpretation. The orchestra plays beautifully, and you get that sense of a heroic journey. Very recommendable.

Richard Strauss / Bavarian State Orchestra

1941 Dutton remastering, excellent clarity for its time.

The composer's own recording. Irreplaceable. He sees it less as a virtuosic showpiece and more about the emotional aspect of the journey. You can hear the beauty of the string sound.