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The overture to Die Fledermaus sets the scene and the enjoyment starts immediately. Three polkas follow in quick succession and by the time the waltz Wein, Weis und Gesang begins, the audience is clearly captivated by Pretre’s style, obvious joy of life and the wonderful playing of the Wiener Philharmoniker, demonstrated during Perpetuum Mobile which brings the first half the concert to a close.
Wiener Bonbons has an unusual film sequence from the Imperial and Royal Court confectioners Demel - an interesting departure from the traditional ballet scenes.
Ein Herz, ein Sinn polka has a filmed sequence with soloists from the Opera Garnier, Paris giving a beautiful performance. Another ballet accompanies the Morganblatter Waltz performed by the dancers of the Vienna Staatsoper and Volksoper Ballet, with wonderful dance sequences and costumes.
The Blue Danube is played in a slower, more relaxed manner which Pretre has adopted previously. This includes a filmed sequence of the famous river from its source in Germany to the end of its journey at the Romanian Delta.
The Radetzky March brings the concert to its close - this is the final triumph with Pretre full of fun and excitement, with the orchestra enjoying themselves and playing at their very best. The emphasis of this concert is on Love and both Pretre and the Wiener Philharmoniker achieve this feeling to the full.
The DVD has several bonus features, one of which is a film about the actual preparations for the concert and deals efficiently with the work that went into making this New Year’s concert the wonderful event that it is.
Molly Bell
