Watch Strauss Gala

On a magnificent stage decorated with lavish designs, the Wiener Philharmoniker takes the audience on a wonderful journey of musical excellence with a tribute to one of the most iconic composers of Classical Music, Johann Strauss. This performance deserves to be memorialized in the history of music. The Strauss Gala is a traditional New Year’s concert that takes place in Vienna, which has been held annually since 1939. It features some of the most famous waltzes composed by Strauss, which have gained popularity throughout the world. The Wiener Philharmoniker orchestra and conductor Zubin Mehta performed at the concert in 2004, and this production is a recording of that unforgettable event.

The concert begins with the sparkling opening of ‘Tritsch-Tratsch-Polka', the vibrant sounds of trumpets, violins and pianos expertly combining to create a joyous effect. The audience is instantly entranced and ready to indulge in the delights of the concert. Mehta leads the orchestra with great elegance, mixing and matching the different tones to create a harmonious and unique sound.

The legendary Blue Danube Waltz is played with great precision and soul, perfectly expressing the music's tenderness and delicacy. The orchestra members perform in unison, achieving a magnificent harmony - from the majestic sound of the violins to the gentle twirl of the wind instruments, that creates a romantic and sweet sensation.

Also in the program, one of Strauss’s most famous compositions - 'The Emperor Waltz' - is performed exquisitely. Its grandiosity and complexity of the musical arrangement make the performance quite challenging, but the Wiener Philharmoniker exceed expectations by executing it perfectly with great delicacy and expertise.

Furthermore, the symphonic poem 'Don Juan' is played majestically, showcasing the variety of the orchestra's abilities, achieving a dynamic performance that is both emotional and captivating. Mehta's precise conducting allows each member of the orchestra to shine individually, while also contributing to the overall grandeur of this composition.

The climax of the concert is the thunderous beats of the Radetzky March, composed by Johann Strauss Sr., that galvanizes the audience into a standing ovation. Mehta and the Wiener Philharmoniker are true to their reputation as one of the best orchestras in the world, playing brilliantly and with precision, making for a mark of excellence that leaves you in awe.

The concert is not only about the music, but also includes some visual performances as well. The dancers, charming in their beautiful costumes, deliver a magnificent show filled with grace and finesse. They add an extra layer of entertainment and dynamic to the production, bringing their art to bear on the music and becoming a part of the concert's exceptional ambience.

Visually, the cinematography is outstanding, capturing the stunning visual appeal of Vienna's Musikverein concert hall, and the outstanding performances of the Wiener Philharmoniker and the talented dancers, in perfect detail. The editing is outstanding, showing each performer from different angles and viewpoints.

In conclusion, The Strauss Gala is a special New Year's concert that has captivated audiences since its inception in 1939. This 2004 performance by the Wiener Philharmoniker and conductor Zubin Mehta will fascinate music lovers across generations. Employing their immense talent and expertise, they bring to life the charming and beautiful compositions of Johann Strauss, a truly exceptional and iconic composer. The concert also delivers an unmistakable visual feast, with exceptional costumes and well-choreographed performances. Ultimately, The Strauss Gala is a sensory experience that will bewitch you with its captivating music and outstanding visual performance, leaving you thirsty for more.

Strauss Gala is a 1999 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes.