To usher in the new year, here are some Strauss waltzes and polkas conducted by Ferdinand Leitner for Deutsche Grammophon in the early 1950s.
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| Ferdinand Leitner |
Leitner made quite a few recordings for DGG during this period, when he was the music director of the Württemberg State Opera. He is not as well remembered as many of his contemporaries, but his recordings are good nonetheless. He also looked impressive in photographs. I like to think that had I been a German conductor in the 50s, I would have used such a cigarette holder and even used it to conduct the band on occasion.
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| DGG LPs |
Although these were made with second-rank German orchestras from Bamberg and Stuttgart, the playing is fine and the conducting to my ears is just right. A most satisfying program in excellent sound (despite some background noise from the American Decca pressing). As far as I can tell, the recordings have not been reissued. The originals were issued on at least two 10-inch DGG LPs (at right). Wine Women and Song, If You Please and High Spirits are from 1950; Tales from the Vienna Woods and Emperor Waltz are from 1952, and Acceleration Waltz is from 1954.
Happy new year to all!
