Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Review – New Year's Concert 2024

The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra's New Year's Concert program this year was stylistically wide-ranging, but always embodied liveliness, whether it was an overture, a polka or a waltz. This time too, the recording captures the magic of what may be the most popular concert of the year worldwide. A special autograph was provided by Anton Bruckner, who was first represented in the New Year's concert by a quartet, and as a celebration – Bruckner will celebrate his 200th birthday in 2024 – it is undoubtedly enriching. Wolfgang Dörner's orchestration impresses with its contrasting reworking of individual passages: delicate woodwind sounds in a minor key follow soft, even string passages, framed by festive string sounds in a major key. Another special thematic feature this year is Johann Strauss's Pizzicato Polka, whose graceful figure conveys a light-heartedness appropriate for a New Year's party. The coronation finale is initially devoted to the Danube, which is particularly highlighted by Christian Telemann's striking model accents. This is followed by the traditional finale with Radetzky marching, accompanied by audience applause.

Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert 2024
Acts c. Strauss (Jr.), Bruckner, c. Strauss (father), Joseph Strauss, Eduard Strauss, Ziehrer, Lombay, Helmsberger and Komsack

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Christian Telemann (conductor)
Sony classic

Christian Thielemann

Full of passion and always searching for perfection – Christian Thielemann is a conductor who likes to wave the baton provocatively, but always cares about quality. When it comes to the music, it keeps it coming

Wiener Philharmoniker

The concert on 28 March 1842 with members of the Vienna Court Opera Orchestra under the direction of Otto Nicolai is considered the birth of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, the principles have remained in force until today: only in the court opera orchestra… they persist