Millions are familiar with the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year's concerts with, by and large, the Strauss Family as its focal point. But sometimes we lose track of who is who among the Strausses. Not to worry, this new ARS release, commemorating Johann Strauss Junior’s upcoming 200th birthday (the 25th of October 2025), will put the Strauss Dynasty’s cultural and musical links with Germany into proper perspective, as described in the detailed liner notes by Ingolf Roßberg, Ph.D. First Chairman of the German Johann Strauss Society. Moreover, this release coincides with this month’s Great Festive Weekend (25 - 27 April 2025 in Coburg, Germany) dedicated to the ‘Coburger Johann Strauss from Vienna’, with a festive address by yet another Strauss, Professor Eduard Strauss, Great-grand-nephew of Johann Strauss Junior.

The five string players of Cappella Musica Dresden featured in this album are more than just some musicians playing together. They are all members of the Dresdener Kapellsolisten, a chamber ensemble taken from the Saxon Staatskapelle Dresden, and therefore all seasoned professionals from one of the best orchestras in Germany. As for the programme: It is, as to be expected, entirely devoted to the music written by the ‘Coburger from Vienna’, Johann Strauss Junior, with, however, one exception: A march composed by Hertog Ernst II von Sachen-Coburg-Gotha, who played an important role in Johann’s love life (do read the notes). The arrangements for five strings were made by Jörg Kettmann [Nr. 1-6, 8, 9, 12, 13], Sylvia Färber [Nr. 10], and Hans Hombsch [Nr. 11).

From all this, it may be clear that we have here a collector's item of a superior level. The quality of the playing, the quality of the arrangements and last but not least, the enormous amount of upbeat pleasure. If Richard is the Opera, Johann is the Operetta, a lighter form of music, at the time delightfully en vogue. In terms of musical genius, there is little difference. It doesn’t have to be ‘serious’ to be good. The example is here. I hugely enjoyed this typical joyful Germanic music. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs3hHEFw75Y)

As usual with ARS, everything is professionally packed in a spatial sound pattern, as though one is there.

Blangy-le-Château, Normandy, France.

Copyright © 2025 Adrian Quanjer and HRAudio.net

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