"Verdi called Johann Strauss II a ‘colleague and genius’, while Johannes Brahms admitted that of all his fellow composers he was ‘the only one I envy’. From the remotest parts of South America to the large concert halls of Japan, people in all parts of the world are still enthralled by the ‘fascination of Strauss’. This new CD – recorded by the leading Strauss ensemble with an authentic orchestra of forty-two musicians – provides proof that this music is a testament to the liveliness, ingenuity and topicality that still exists. This live recording was made in May 2018 in the Vienna Musikverein's Golden Hall and forms a broad cross-section of the repertoire that the Vienna Johann Strauss Orchestra has been intensively cultivating since its foundation in 1966. With conductor Alfred Eschwe, an internationally recognized Strauss expert was on the podium of the orchestra, with whom he has worked for over 35 years."