In "Walzer Revolution," Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Concentus Musicus Wien present a captivating journey through the world of Viennese dance music, focusing on the works of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Josef Lanner, and Johann Strauss the Elder. This double album, released in 2012 on Sony Classical, is a testament to Harnoncourt's revolutionary approach to interpreting and performing these timeless pieces.
The album spans a rich selection of 23 tracks, including waltzes, marches, galops, and polkas, each meticulously crafted to reflect the original spirit and intent of the composers. From Mozart's elegant "Kontretanz" and "Deutsche Tänze" to Strauss's lively "Radetzky-Marsch" and "Schönbrunner Walzer," every piece is performed with a nuanced understanding of historical context and musical style.
Harnoncourt's innovative interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these classic dances, revealing intricate details and subtle nuances that often go unnoticed. The performances are characterized by their sinuous yet nuanced pacing, allowing the listener to appreciate the depth and complexity of each composition. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Walzer Revolution" offers a delightful and engaging listening experience.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 40 minutes provides ample time to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Viennese dance music. With its high-quality recording and thoughtful programming, "Walzer Revolution" is a celebration of musical craftsmanship and historical authenticity.
(P) 2012 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Kontretanz in D Major, K. 603, No. 1Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Kontretanz in C Major, K. 609, No. 1Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Kontretanz in C Major, K. 609, No. 4Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 1 in D MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 2 in A MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 3 in C MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 4 in G MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 5 in B-Flat MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sechs Deutsche Tänze, KV 571: Deutscher Tanz Nr. 6 in D MajorWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Radetzky-Marsch, Op. 228 (Urfassung)Johann Strauss I, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Erste Kettenbrücke-Walzer, Op. 4Johann Strauss I, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Schäfer-Quadrille, Op. 217Johann Strauss I, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Der Carneval in Paris, Galopp, Op. 100Johann Strauss I, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Walzer a la Paganini, Op. 11Johann Strauss I, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Pas de neuf nach Saverio Mercadante, WoOJoseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Sehnsuchts-Mazur, Op. 89Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Hans Jörgel-Polka, Op. 194Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Malapou-Galopp, Op. 148aJoseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Hexentanzwalzer, Op. 203Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Marsch (from the ballet Corso Donati)Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Cerrito-Polka, Op. 189Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Jagd-Galopp, Op. 82Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Die Schönbrunner, Walzer, Op. 200Joseph Lanner, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, Concentus Musicus Wien
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, the Austrian conductor and cellist, was a titan of historically informed performance, revolutionizing the way we experience Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic music. Born in Berlin in 1929, Harnoncourt's journey began with the founding of Concentus Musicus Wien in 1953, an ensemble dedicated to authentic period instrument performances. His collaborations, notably with Gustav Leonhardt, yielded iconic recordings of Bach's cantatas and Passions, setting new standards for musical interpretation. Harnoncourt's work extended beyond the concert hall; he was a passionate advocate for music's role in preserving cultural values, viewing it as a counterpoint to modern materialism. His legacy endures through his extensive discography, influential teachings at the Mozarteum, and the enduring impact of his artistic vision. Harnoncourt's commitment to his art made him a beloved figure among music enthusiasts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape.