Carl Michael Ziehrer: Die Landstreicher: Ouverture *
Josef Strauss:
- Liebesgruse, Op. 56 *
- Liechtenstein-Marsch, Op. 36 *
- Im Fluge, Polka-schnell, Op. 230
Johann Strauss Jr.:
- Blumenfest-Polka, Op. 111
- Wo die Zitronen bluh'n, Op. 364
Eduard Strauss:
- Knall und Fall, Op. 132 *
- Eisblume, Polka mazur, Op. 55
Franz von Suppé: Leichte Kavallerie: Ouverture
Josef Strauss: Cupido, Op. 81 *
Johann Strauss Jr.: Seid umschlungen, Millionen!, Op. 443
Josef Hellmesberger d. J.: Gavotte *
Hans Christian Lumbye: Postillon Galop, Op. 16/2 *
Ludwig van Beethoven: 12 Contretanze (Auswahl), WoO 14 *
Johann Strauss Jr.:
- Freuet euch des Lebens, Op. 340
- Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, Op. 214
- Radetsky-Marsch, Op. 128
- An der schonen blauen Donau, Walzer, Op. 314
Josef Strauss: Dynamiden, Op. 173c

Everyone enjoys a great New Year's party, especially when the music's rockin'. And this year's New Year's Concert in Vienna with conductor Andris Nelsons on the podium was no exception, as it included a few hitherto unheard pieces during this 80 years running event. The first concert marking the New Year was given in 1939 with conductor Clemens Krauss leading the ceremonies. It's been an annual event ever since with the first live TV broadcast dating back to 1959, which is now viewed by over 50 million people worldwide. For a conductor, being chosen to lead this Vienna Philharmonic's concert on any given year, must feel like being bestowed the honor of being king for a day.

On this recording all the perennial favorites are included, like the Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss Jr. for example, but it's the previously unperformed works (noted by an asterisk) that add icing on the anniversary cake. In particular, the Postillon Galop, Op. 16/2 by Danish composer Hans Christian Lumbye (1810-1874) often tagged as the Johann Strauss of Denmark, is so lively and punchy, that I'm convinced some of the audience members must have felt like dancing up and down the aisles. I may be wrong, but this seems to be its premiere recording. Another quite uplifting work is the Liechtenstein-Marsch, Op. 36 by Josef Strauss which also seems to be a first time recording. And in honor of Beethoven's 250th anniversary this year, included is his 12 Contretanze (Auswahl), WoO 14.

There's an infectious bounce and sparkle to Nelsons' direction that impels the members of the orchestra to produce a sound marked by precise attacks, sharp accents, and punctilious rhythms and dynamics. At once gracious, velvety rich, highly nuanced and energetic, this is one of the best interpretations of the Blue Danube Waltz I've heard in a long time. And one of my all-time favorites, the Light Cavalry Overture by Franz von Suppé (1819-1895) is given a dramatic touch in this riveting account. The brass ensemble work in particular is a thrill to hear. It builds to such a powerfully well-attained coda that even the applause at the end is spectacular. This is a party not to miss, 'cause the music is a rockin'.

Below is a short audio clip of the Postillon Galop.