Release date: 06-06-2008  (originally released in 1954)

2008 Classic Records on 200-gram Quiex vinyl Limited Edition. Originally released in 1954- Legendary 1954 Reiner/CSO performance of a Strauss warhorse. Recorded directly to two-track analog by Jack Pfeiffer,who oversaw this Classic transfer of one of his favorite recordings and hailed this reissue as “definitive and spectacular.� Now it is back in print . Sealed & stickered, LSC 1806

Tracks:
Strauss Also Sprach Zarathustra

1. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Sunrise   
2. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Of The People Of The Unseen World  
3. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Of The Great Longing 
4. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Of Joys And Passions 
5. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Dirge 
6. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Of Science 
7. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: The Convalescent  
8. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Dance Song And Night Song 
9. Also Sprach Zarathustra, Op. 30: Night Wanderer's Song 

Considered by many to be the ultimate in high fidelity, this justly famous recording of Strauss’ enigmatic score glows on the Classic Records reissue. Based on the Nietzsche’s philosophical novel of the same name, Richard Strauss pulls out all of his tricks of orchestration to provide the listener with a musical journey of superhuman proportions. This giant struggle is guided carefully by the equally extraordinary efforts of Fritz Reiner and his Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

If not guided with a careful hand, the many sections of Zarathustra can so easily come apart at the seams. Therefore, it is much to our benefit that Reiner knows the score inside out and ensures that each episode maintains musical interest. As such, the orchestra travels from Dawn to the bitonality and ambiguity of Night with relative ease.

Recorded with just two Neumann M-50 microphones, Producer Pfeiffer and Engineer Chase made history with this early stereo session (there is some information suggesting a 77-DX mic was used as a “wind helper� in addition to the two Neumanns, and judging from the up-front sound of Adolf Herseth’s supercharged trumpet, I suspect the rumor is correct). The sound is transparent, highlighting wonderful instrumental timbre and boasting solid bass impact when the score requires. Orchestra Hall’s shallow, demi-lune stage is complete in its metaphysical state, captured in near-photographic form. No wonder this record is the measure by which the sounds of many LPs are judged.

Composer: Richard Strauss
Conductor: Fritz Reiner
Performer: John Weicher
Orchestra: Chicago Symphony Orchestra