Rudolf Kempe’s benchmark Dresden Strauss recordings from the 1970s were previously available in three triple-CD budget boxed sets. The nine discs are now repackaged in one space saving box. Have the sonics been tweaked? My ears detect a slight gain in detail, with brighter upper transients, making the Dresden Staatskapelle sound even more gorgeous than before. Kempe was one of the greatest masters of orchestral balance ever to mount a podium. No matter how thick or busy Strauss’ opulent textures, Kempe makes immediate and logical sense of it all. Yet he never sacrifices tone for clarity, and allows the Dresden musicians to flaunt their creamy colors while maintaining clearly defined rhythms. There’s not a single performance here that doesn’t glow with insight, intelligence, and inner warmth.
How does one begin to describe these riches? Start with Kempe’s absolute smoker of a Don Juan, continue on to the most lovable, rollicking Till Eulenspiegel imaginable (not quite as quick-witted as Kempe’s earlier Berlin Philharmonic traversal), then bask in the conductor’s frothy arrangement of the Rosenkavalier Waltzes. Likewise, all the concerted works are well done, as Kempe shadows his soloists with sophisticated elan. Until his RCA Alpine Symphony is reissued, Kempe’s Dresden remake remains the most atmospheric and fluent version of this sprawling opus on disc. Paul Tortelier’s lithe-toned, deeply felt cello playing elevates this third and finest of his recorded Don Quixotes to classic status alongside Rostropovitch/Karajan and Fournier/Szell. From the dark, brooding Metamorphosen to the playful pastiche of the ballet suites, Kempe lavishes love and care upon all he touches. This is the ultimate Richard Strauss orchestral collection. Don’t pass it up! [Editor’s Note: This set is also available as of October 2000 from The Musical Heritage Society, Catalog No. 595931L]
