Celebrate the New Year with a timeless collection of classical masterpieces by the legendary Johann Strauss II. "Happy New Year! Classical Hits" is a meticulously curated album that spans over three and a half hours, featuring 93 iconic compositions that showcase the brilliance and innovation of one of the most celebrated composers in history. From the lively "Radetzky-Marsch" to the enchanting "Blue Danube," this album is a testament to Strauss II's unparalleled ability to capture the spirit of joy and celebration.
The album includes a mix of live recordings and studio performances, providing a rich and dynamic listening experience. Highlights include the exhilarating "Can-Can" from "Orpheus in the Underworld," the majestic "Entry of the Gladiators," and the iconic "Swan Lake" suite. Fans of classical music will also enjoy lesser-known gems such as "Persischer Marsch" and "Delirien Waltz," which add depth and variety to the collection.
"Happy New Year! Classical Hits" is not just a compilation of songs; it's a journey through the rich tapestry of Johann Strauss II's musical legacy. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers something for everyone. The diverse range of compositions, from waltzes and polkas to overtures and suites, ensures that there's always something new and exciting to discover.
The album is set to be released on December 29, 2024, under the UME - Global Clearing House label, making it the perfect way to ring in the New Year. With its extensive tracklist and high-quality recordings, "Happy New Year! Classical Hits" is sure to become a staple in any classical music lover's collection. So, gather your friends and family, and let the music of Johann Strauss II fill the air as you celebrate the start of a new year.
Auf der Jagd, Polka, Op. 373 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Orpheus in the Underworld: Can-Can - LiveJacques Offenbach, Wiener Philharmoniker, Lorin Maazel
La Gioconda / Act 3: Dance Of The HoursAmilcare Ponchielli, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Entry Of The GladiatorsJulius Fučík, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Serenade for String Orchestra in C Major, Op. 48, TH 48: IIa. Walzer: Moderato (Tempo di valse)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Fidelio, Op. 72: OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Ferenc Fricsay
Má Vlast, JB1:112: 2. Vltava - ExcerptBedřich Smetana, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka, Op. 214Johann Strauss II, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Cavalleria rusticana: IntermezzoPietro Mascagni, Orchestra Del Teatro Alla Scala, Milano, Herbert von Karajan
Radetzky-Marsch, Op. 228Johann Strauss I, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Pizzicato PolkaJohann Strauss II, Josef Strauss, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Unter Donner und Blitz, Polka, Op. 324 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Perpetuum mobile, Op. 257 - Recorded 1966Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Swan Lake (Suite), Op. 20a, TH 219: 3. Danse des petits cygnesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Wiener Philharmoniker, James Levine
Eljen a Magyar, Op. 332Johann Strauss II, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Pictures At An Exhibition: Ballet Of The Chickens In Their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Carlo Maria Giulini
Annen-Polka, Op. 117 (Arr. Richard Atzler)Johann Strauss II, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
The Tale of Tsar Saltan: Flight of the Bumblebee (Arr. Feygin for String Orchestra)Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Irina Saizewa, Violin Ensemble of the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, Julij Rejentowitsch
Persischer Marsch, Op. 289 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Sylvia, Suite: 3. PizzicatiLéo Delibes, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Leichtes Blut, Polka schnell, Op. 319 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Zar und Zimmermann, LoWV 38 / Act 3: Ballett (Holzschuhtanz)Albert Lortzing, Bamberger Symphoniker, Hans Gierster
Postillon d'amour, Polka, Op. 317Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Les Sylphides (Orch. Douglas): VII. Waltz No. 7 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 64 No. 2Frédéric Chopin, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1: No. 5 in G Minor (Orch. Schmeling)Johannes Brahms, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
20 Waltzes (Letzte Waltzer) D 146, Op. 127: Valse (Ländler) No. 12Franz Schubert, Gil Shaham, Göran Söllscher
Faust, CG 4 / Act 2: WaltzCharles Gounod, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Voices of Spring, Op. 410 (Frühlingsstimmen) - LiveJohann Strauss II, Wiener Philharmoniker, Lorin Maazel
Ball SceneJoseph Hellmesberger, Jr., Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Europa Hymn "Ode to Joy" from Symphony No. 9 (EU Anthem)Ludwig van Beethoven, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Overture "Coriolan", Op. 62Ludwig van Beethoven, Berliner Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Der Rosenkavalier, Op. 59, TrV 227 / Act I: IntroductionRichard Strauss, Staatskapelle Dresden, Karl Böhm
Egyptischer Marsch, Op. 335 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Tourbillon-Galopp op.142, No. 1 - Arr. Heinrich PekJoseph Lanner, Wiener Philharmoniker, John Eliot Gardiner
Schönfeld-Marsch op.422 - Arr. Martin UhlCarl Michael Ziehrer, Wiener Philharmoniker, John Eliot Gardiner
Fächer - polonaise Op. 525 - Arr. Max SchoenherrCarl Michael Ziehrer, Wiener Philharmoniker, John Eliot Gardiner
Sphärenklänge Waltz, Op. 235 - Recorded 1969Josef Strauss, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Valse des fleursPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Die Fledermaus: OvertureJohann Strauss II, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314Johann Strauss II, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Ferenc Fricsay
Aufforderung zum Tanz, Op. 65 (Orch. Berlioz)Carl Maria von Weber, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Delirien Waltz, Op. 212 - Recorded 1969Josef Strauss, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Wiener Blut, Waltz, Op. 354 - Recorded 1969Johann Strauss II, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Accelerationen, Op. 234 - LiveJohann Strauss II, Wiener Philharmoniker, Lorin Maazel
Wo die Zitronen blüh'n, Op. 364Johann Strauss II, Berliner Symphoniker, Robert Stolz
Rosen aus dem Süden, Op. 388Johann Strauss II, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Freuet euch des Lebens, Waltz, Op. 340 - Live at Musikverein, Vienna, 1988Johann Strauss II, Wiener Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, B. 178, "From the New World": IV. Finale. Allegro con fuoco - ExcerptAntonín Dvořák, Berliner Philharmoniker, Rafael Kubelík
An American in Paris - ExcerptGeorge Gershwin, James Levine, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Gaîté parisienne (Arr. Rosenthal): No. 23, Barcarolle (From Les contes d'Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Johann Strauss II, born in Vienna in 1825, is renowned as one of the most celebrated composers of light music and dance music of the 19th century. Known affectionately as "The Waltz King," Strauss II's compositions, which include over 500 waltzes, polkas, and operettas, have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. His most famous works, such as "The Blue Danube," "Kaiser-Walzer," and the operetta "Die Fledermaus," continue to captivate audiences with their infectious melodies and lively rhythms. Strauss II's virtuosity as a violinist and his dynamic leadership of Europe's finest salon orchestras further cemented his legacy as a master of his craft. His music, characterized by its elegance and joyous spirit, transcends time, making him a beloved figure in the classical music canon.
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Johann Strauss II
