Reiner: Also Spach Zarathustra, Heldenleben, Don Juan - German RCA VL 42267 (2LP set)

Jacket EX / LPs NM

This handsome 2 LP set, a superb collector’s copy, from RCA (VL 42267, German pressing*, pink Victrola label, stereo) features Fritz Reiner and the mighty Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s legendary recordings of Richard Strauss.

With Karajan and Kempe, Reiner was among the undisputed masters of Strauss’ music during the last century and these performance explains why – gramophone classics all.

The exact contents are as follows:

Also Sprach Zarathustra Op. 30

            > rec. on 8 March 1954

Don Juan Op. 20

            > rec. on 6 February 1960

Ein Heldenleben Op. 40

            > rec. on 6 March 1954

(with Concertmaster John Weicher the violin soloist and CSO Principal Philip Farkas the horn soloist)

The above recordings were produced by Richard Mohr and engineered by Lewis Layton, all sessions held in the fabled acoustics of Symphony Hall, Chicago.