Metamorphosen

Richard Strauss

Enregistrements

Premier Choix

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1969

Top recommendation. A great job of setting the atmosphere of quiet contemplation. Creates a beautiful, distant sound that serves the music well. More commitment and depth than his digital version.

Également Recommandés

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1980 Digital version. Better recording quality, more detail.

His later digital version. Very powerful, and the recording quality is better (more detail), but I miss the atmosphere of the '69. Almost too present, though the climax is incredible.

Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia Orchestra

1961 Recorded very well, very clear.

This is really something. Does what Klemperer does: steady, stark, almost too brutal. Very emotionally impactful for its grimness and solemnity. Only Klemperer could have done it.

Rudolf Kempe / Staatskapelle Dresden

From the Dresden set. No slouch either. Very dramatic and powerful, beautifully played, nice clarity. A devoted Straussian, so you get the full emotional impact.

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1947 Live recording, fairly new piece. Dim sound, noisy.

A very moving performance, recorded in the rubble of WWII. Faster than others, emphasizing the dramatic side. Powerful climax. Worth seeking out for the historical context.