Celebrate the arrival of the new year with a dazzling collection of classical masterpieces from the renowned Johann Strauss II, one of the most celebrated composers of the Romantic era. "Happy New Year! Classical Hits" is a vibrant compilation that brings together some of Strauss's most iconic works, along with other timeless classics, to create an unforgettable musical experience.
This album spans a diverse range of compositions, from the lively and energetic "Radetzky March" and the enchanting "Blue Danube Waltz" to the dramatic overtures of "Die Fledermaus" and "Coriolan." Fans of Strauss will delight in the inclusion of his famous polkas, such as "Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka" and "Unter Donner und Blitz," as well as his waltzes like "Voices of Spring" and "Wiener Blut." The album also features excerpts from Strauss's operettas, including "Der Rosenkavalier" and "Egyptischer Marsch," showcasing his versatility and genius.
Beyond Strauss's contributions, the album includes works by other classical greats like Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and Dvořák's "Symphony No. 9," providing a rich tapestry of musical styles and eras. The live recordings, such as the exhilarating "Can-Can" from "Orpheus in the Underworld" and the "Overture" from "Die Fledermaus," add a dynamic energy that captures the essence of live performances.
With a total runtime of over three hours, "Happy New Year! Classical Hits" is a comprehensive journey through the world of classical music, perfect for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're looking to ring in the new year with elegance or simply enjoy the timeless beauty of these compositions, this album is a treasure trove of musical brilliance.
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