Richard StraussAlso Sprach (thus said)
Zarathustra/
Ein Heldenleben (A Hero's Life)
Fritz Reiner conducts the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
RCA 09026 61494 2 CD made in Germany by BMG (Bertlesmann Music Group)
1990 first CD reissues of these legendary recordings which include this first RCA Living Stereo recording made in 1954, Also Sprach Zarathustra was RCA's first Living Stereo LP LSC-1806 issued in 1957, of which original Shaded Dog LPs are worth a fortune (if they can be found in decent condition)
The opening 1 minute 30 seconds of Also Sprach Zarathustra were used in the Stanley Kubrick film "2001, a Space Odyssey", but not this version. The rest of the tone poem is definitely worth listening to.
From the initial series of Mercury Living Presence recordings released on CD in 1990.
See photos for condition of cover, booklet & CD
This CD comes from the collection of a meticulous CD collector
Selling as I already own a copy of this CD, plus multiple LP reissues of the same works on this recording.
PRICED TO SELL - on day of listing (June 15, 2025), I found a copy in the US list for AUS$42, which is not unreasonable for this audiophile classic - the sound of this recording shows how sound recording has since gone backwards with multi tracking & "the loudness wars" (ie severe compression of dynamic range in order to "sound louder")
March 12, 2026 - starting price reduced from $20 to $15
Even if you're not familiar with the music, give yourself both a sonic & musical treat.
Will ship in padded CD mailer
Postage discounts given if you buy multiple items from me.