This disk is also available as disk one in Brilliant
Classics’ "Strauss Gala" 5 CD box, which was eloquently reviewed
on Musicweb in May of 2002 by Christopher
Howell
Christopher traced the release originally to some LANius
recordings dedicated to the Strauss family, of which two were issued
(in then-Czechoslovakia) in 1980 and the third in 1989 (and described
as AAD).
I have heard recent recordings by this orchestra and
been impressed by the quality of the playing,
particularly in what might be called their “home” repertoire, that is
Dvořák and Smetana. All reviewers of this disk have found the performances
to vary in quality; I found none of them to be more or less than capable,
with quite good but not sensational sound. There is no Viennese
lilt here, and some may prefer that, especially if they wanted just
these particular selections on one disk. These are straightforward,
on-the-beat performances, but not without charm.
The frequent appearance of this disk appears not to
be related to its quality but to its apparently being available without
payment of royalties. Consider that if you find it for sale at an extremely
low cost, you will surely get your money’s worth.
Paul Shoemaker
Bratislava Symphony
Orchestra/Otto Aebi