"Zarathustra is magnificent, by far the most important of my works, the most perfect in form, the richest in content and the most personal in character... The theme of passion is irresistible, the fugue chilling, the song of the dance simply delicious. I am at the height of happiness [...] I am a happy man after all" - Richard Strauss in a letter to his wife Pauline on November 27, 1896, at the end of the dress rehearsal before the première.

The recordings made by Hebert von Karajan when he was director of the Vienna Opera (between 1956 and 1964) are among his most successful. This interpretation of Richard Strauss' emblematic work is a fine example. It must be admitted that this opening, the sunrise on the world, is impressive and sets the tone of this cosmic music, with its divine sparkle. All the sumptuousness of the sound of the Vienna Philharmonic is here at its peak led by a conductor who has the sense of implementation of the orchestral architecture into the smallest details. This new mastering gives more brilliance and impact to this timeless testimony of the LP.

Enjoy your listening