CD REVIEW – VIENNA PHILHARMONIC
FRANZ WELSER-MOST
NEW YEAR’S DAY CONCERT 2023
Sony 19658717392

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For the first time since 2019, it was back to normal with a packed non-masked audience in Vienna's beautiful Golden Hall of the Musikverein, and Franz Welser-Most (b.1960) – MD of the Cleveland Orchestra since 2002 – on the podium for the third time.

The remarkable thing this year was that, although being held since 1941, all but four of the 18 pieces played had never been heard before at this concert. The majority of these are by Josef Strauss, the "spare" (topical reference!) in that musical dynasty. One of his eight tracks is the Polka française, Heiterer Muth (Cheerful Fortitude), where the VPO accompany the Vienna Boys' Choir, celebrating their 525th anniversary, who are joined for a first time by the Vienna Girls' Choir, founded in 2004.

Other composer contributions come from Johann Strauss ll (four) and Eduard Strauss (two) with one track each from Joseph Hellmesberger, Johann Strauss l, Franz von Suppé and Carl Michael Ziehrer.

I suppose there will be the customary carping comments from some critics about programming, but for me it is an exciting selection with the inclusion of so many items previously not played and the attention given to Josef Strauss. Also, the world-famous orchestra is in fine form under the baton of the admirable Austrian maestro.

This traditional enjoyable musical treat, then, is guaranteed to raise our spirits at the beginning and throughout what looks like not being among the best of years.

The album is also released on DVD (as seen on BBC TV), Blu-ray and three Vinyl records. It will be interesting to see how the sales of the last-named fare.

© Peter Burt 2023