Wiener Philharmoniker
Biography
There is perhaps no other musical ensemble more consistently and closely associated with the history and tradition of European classical music than the Vienna Philharmonic. In the course of its history, the musicians of this most prominent orchestra of the capital city of music have been an integral part of a musical epoch which due to an abundance of uniquely gifted composers and interpreters must certainly be regarded as unique.
The orchestra's close association with this rich musical history is best illustrated by the statements of countless pre-eminent musical personalities of the past. Richard Wagner described the orchestra as being one of the most outstanding in the world; Anton Bruckner called it "the most superior musical association"; Johannes Brahms counted himself as a "friend and admirer"; Gustav Mahler claimed to be joined together with the orchestra through "the bonds of musical art"; and Richard Strauss summarized these sentiments by saying: "All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement."
Current album
New Year's Concert 2021
Artists Wiener PhilharmonikerRelease Date: 01/08/2021
Only a few concerts attract the widespread international interest enjoyed by the New Year's Concert in Vienna. For the first time without an in-hall audience, the Vienna Philharmonic ushered in the New Year with a concert conducted by Riccardo Muti at Vienna’s Musikverein. The event is broadcast to over 90 countries all over the world and watched by more than 50 million viewers.
On New Year’s Day of 2021, Riccardo Muti conducted the prestigious New Year’s concert for the 6th time (1993, 1997, 2000, 2004, and 2018). Together with Zubin Mehta, Riccardo Muti is one of the most engaged New Year's Concert conductors since the era of Lorin Maazel. The conductor’s close artistic relationship with the Vienna Philharmonic orchestra celebrates 50 years, almost 550 concerts, and dates back to 1971. In 2011, this exceptional bond led to Riccardo Muti being named an honorary member of the Vienna Philharmonic. This makes it appropriate not only to reminisce about Italy but also to mark the forthcoming 80th birthday of the conductor and honorary member of the orchestra.
The program contained works by members of the Strauss dynasty (Johann Strauss I and II as well as Josef Strauss) including 7 premieres of works not previously heard at a New Year's Concert.
