The music of Johann Strauss Sr…repays closer and more-frequent hearings…Strauss Sr.’s benefits tremendously from having a strong conductor advocating it, and Christian Pollack is ideal: he consistently performs these works with attentiveness, flair, appropriate musical gestures, and just the right spirit of enjoyment. And the Slovak Sinfonietta Žilina is quite wonderful: balanced, enthusiastic and filled with verve and a sure sense of rhythmic vitality. Pollack never attempts to give any of these works more gravity than it deserves, but he allows every waltz plenty of expansiveness and delivers the shorter works with gusto and a healthy dose of enchantment. Strauss Sr.’s ability to produce consistently delightful music becomes clearer with every release in this very fine series. © 2012 ClassicsToday.com Read complete review