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The depiction of the sunrise that opens the work recalls the power of the famous introduction to Also Sprach Zarathustra. The 20 descriptive episodes that follow fill the listener with a tremendous sense of adventure. The awesome climaxes which Karajan and the BPO generate during the 'On the summit' and 'Vision' sections may just blow your socks off. After the lyrical 'Sunset' and 'Epilogue' sections the work closes where it began: in the hushed and shadowy sound-world of night.
I would whole-heartedly recommend this recording to anyone with an interest in Strauss, or the genre of the symphonic poem. The recording itself cannot be faulted.
Most music reference books do not list An Alpine Symphony as a recommended work. It has been criticised as a piece that is more a succession of highlights rather than an integrated work. I feel this is unfair as the same argument could be levelled at many of Strauss's symphonic poems given the descriptive depth of detail contained in the music which often portrays vastly differing episodes in the programme, frequently in succession (surely Don Quixote, Ein Heldenleben and Also Sprach Zarathustra suffer from the same problems?).
I urge you to listen to An Alpine Symphony and make up your own mind. In my opinion this work - like the remainder of Strauss's symphonic poems - is one of continued inspiration and invention. And with Karajan on top form with the BPO, this is truly an unforgettable sound odyssey.
It's a shame that this Karajan Gold reissue has lost some of the magical atmosphere of the very first original issue, while enhancing clarity of the sound.
Not everything is perfect. The brass leading up to the waterfall sound strangely winded and there are bum notes here and there. The view from the summit is stupendous, but again one senses some restraint in the sound. The trumpet solo is wonderfully well to the fore in the `Vision' section. The storm is scarily dramatic and the sunset rightfully rich. The epilogue is beautifully played.
This may be the best interpretation in my collection, but it is well over twenty years old now and there is room for improvement. I am seeking a broader vision that I have yet to hear on CD. Nonetheless, for now, this one is the one I will pull out of the collection if I want to go hiking in the Alps.
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