Stars: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Summary: A tradition beloved by classical music fans all over the world, the annual New Year's Concert in Vienna always features performances from the top names in classical music. This 1989 event was led by the extraordinary Carlos Kleiber and includes renditions of Pizzicato Polka, On the Beautiful Blue Danube, the Radetsky March finale, and the Overture to DIE FLEDERMAUS.

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The television broadcast from Vienna of the New Year's Day concert has attracted to the podium across the past 40 years or so a number of starry conductors, but none more so than Carlos Kleiber, that elusive maestro who in some respects represents the antithesis of the late-20th century model (consider his slim discography). In this 1989 concert he brings to life the music of the Strauss family in an extraordinarily vital manner. Caught on film under the vigilant eye of director Brian Large, Kleiber, with an economical set of gestures including a seemingly extended left arm that sends the music winging on its way, has the Vienna Philharmonic strings giving off a lustrous shine unique even by their standards, while the brass (trumpets and horns) ring out with an Alpine freshness that sends a tingle down the spine of the listener.

The programme blends firm favourites such as the waltzes--Accelerations, The Blue Danubeand Artist's Life--with less-often played pieces such as the The Dragonflypolka where Kleiber's arm at one moment seems to be drawing the insect's flight-path. There's one break from tradition in that there is no dancing in this film. Brian Large knows the music inside out, providing close-ups at key moments such as the lovingly shaped introduction to the Artist's Lifewaltz, which begins with a breathtakingly played account of the opening tune on oboe. The orchestra, in morning dress, join in with song during At Home with Us. Play this at the end of a weary day and be transported to another world of unadulterated musical luxury.

On the DVD:there are no extra features, just a set of advertisements for current Deutsche Grammophon DVDs including Kleiber's own Der Rosenkavalier. --Adrian Edwards

Aspect Ratio:	4:3
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 0
Subtitles:	Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish
Year:	1989
Release Date:	October 15, 2001
Runtime:	93 minutes
Certification:	Exempt.
Catalogue Number:	073 024 9
Keywords:	Music, Eve, New, Concert, Orchestral, Vienna, Classical, Kleiber, Performing, Carlos, Arts, Year's
Genre:	Music/Performing Arts