This recording by Fritz Reiner with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra from 1954 is legendary. His interpretation of Strauss's work was one of the first stereo recordings at RCA, recorded on tape by Jack Pfeiffer. Eight years later, the label invited Reiner back to record “Also sprach Zarathustra” – this time with improved technology. But the musical and recording quality of the 1954 production remains unsurpassed. And even if the claim that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Fritz Reiner is the ‘best orchestra in the world’ is ultimately always problematic, this recording is outstanding! Reiner was described as a despot who truly harassed his musicians. With economical gestures, he led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through the score, but he achieved a brilliance and transparency that today's conductors would be hard-pressed to match.
The reissue of the “RCA Living Stereo Classical” series by Analogue Productions meets the highest audiophile standards: Bernie Grundman is responsible for remastering the original tapes. The double LP (45 RPM) includes a 2-page booklet and was pressed on 180-gram vinyl by industry leader Quality Record Pressings (QRP) using Classic Records equipment.We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.
Title
Richard Strauss (1864-1949): “Also sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30”
LP 1
Side A
1. Part 1
Side B
1. Part 2
LP 2
Side C
1. Part 3
Side D
1. Concluded
