The Royal Edition - R. Strauss: Don Quixote, Etc / Bernstein

Vintage supercharged Bernstein with the New York PO on starry form. Just on the right side of self-indulgence, this is a compelling old-world view of Strauss – heroic, intimate and headily nostalgic. The pacing, climaxing and longueurs of Don Quixote (one of the best versions around), the seductive rhythms of the Dance of the Seven Veils, and the public splendour of the Festival Prelude all make for a stunning sonic experience. Demonstration remastered ‘high definition sound’ once you get used to the slightly forward separation of solo cello and viola in Don Quixote.
Performance: 5 (out of 5); Sound: 5 (out of 5)

-- Ates Orga, BBC Music Magazine