Wiener Philharmoniker: Deluxe Edition Vol. 1

20 CDs

The present deluxe edition provides a fascinating cross-section of the musical history of the Vienna Philharmonic, featuring, as it does, recordings extending from the 1950s to the recent past. It also includes rarities from the archives and live recordings of world premieres that have not previously been released. This legacy in sound showcases significant works from the classical, romantic, modern and contemporary repertory, all of which are among the great highlights of the orchestra’s performance history. Concerts with unforgettable conductors and with leading soloists who are closely associated with the orchestra are brought back to life in this way.

The present edition is notable in particular for the links between the works that are featured here and outstanding events in the orchestra’s history, events, moreover, that have helped to shape its sense of identity. Among these works is Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, which was the first piece on the programme of the orchestra’s inaugural concert on 28 March 1842. Further high points include Brahms’s Tragic Overture and Strauss’s Suite from Der Bürger als Edelmann, both of which were performed by our orchestra for the very first time, as well as three contemporary world premieres of works by Iván Erőd, Thomas Larcher and René Staar.