Neujahrskonzert 2018 / New Year's Concert 2018 [DVD]

Review based on received Blu-ray versionThis is the third of Muti’s contributions to this series, the former being in 2002 and 2004. As before he brings a degree of focus to his conducting that results in playing that would rank this set of the New Year’s Day concerts as one of the most outstanding in the series taking the justly famous Karajan DVD as the starting point for comparison.The concert runs in the same sequence as the television broadcast but differs markedly by extracting the ballet sequences in the Stephanie-Gavotte and the Roses from the South waltz to the bonus section rather than as part of the concert. This has now become a regular practice when the broadcast versions are transferred to disc format. The film footage of Viennese locations, usefully sub-titled for identification, shown during the broadcast concert remains in place during the ‘play concert’ main feature.The concert itself contains seven début performances of repertoire not previously heard during this entire series which may add to the attractions of the disc for those with collections of previous concerts in the series. The concert ends with the usual renditions of the Blue Danube and the Radetzky March and a very enthusiastic audience response which is completely justified.The remaining bonus is a 24 minute feature, with music played by members of the orchestra in small ensembles, and taking the form of a tour around key Viennese buildings. These are shown to be largely associated with Otto Wagner and are collected under the title of Viennese Modernism 1918-2018. These are universally impressive in numerous ways and are shown to good advantage by sympathetic photography in striking HD definition.That level of visual presentation is clearly apparent during the whole disc and marks a further advance in photographic technology. This presents even sharper definition and control of lighting within an artificially lit concert hall with numerous lighting challenges such as avoiding burn-out on chandeliers. The sound is presented in an equally impressive DTS-HD master Audio 5.0 (used for this review) as well as stereo for those without surround sound playback facilities.In summary therefore, this disc represents superb content presented superbly and is completely impressive in all respects.

This is a wonderful concert and the sound and music played makes the start of a New Year so special. We look forward to these annual concerts. Great to have the DVD quality and to be able to watch it throughout the year.

Cool as ever. Interesting and varied works. Nice ballet clips as extras. Family have been watching it for many years and apart from the Radetsky March its always a fresh performance

A permanent reminder of a first-rate concert. The "break films" and dance sequences are lovely too.

Missed it on TV, now can enjoy anytime. Just lovely.

Perfect

Only gets better and better year after year

Superb as usual New Year Concert from Vienna.