2002 : Ozawa / Vienna Philharmonic (2CD)

This is a concert recording from Jan. 1, 2002, at the Musikverein (Goldener Saal) in Vienna. It consists mostly of Strauss dance music: waltzes, polkas, and marches. The audience is very much in evidence, with applause, cheers, and rhythmic clapping. In surround sound the recording perspective is from the middle of the audience, with only ambience sounds coming from the side channels. I have never had the good fortune to attend a concert at the Musikverein, but with this recording I feel almost as though I have been there. The orchestra plays wonderfully and the recording is faithful. Japanese Blu-spec CD 2 pressing. Universal. 2015.