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Review by Edvin February 17, 2007 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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In the booklet we are informed that there is a substantial change in orchestral set-up betweeen Don Quixote and Don Juan. The former is recorded in 1959 and the latter in 1954. But the informaton about Don Juan is all wrong, this is not the 1954 recording but the later from 1960. The interpretation is similar, but the orchestral set-up is not since Reiner preferred a more modern one with all the violins on the left and cellos and double basses on the right in this later recording.
This is a very clear headed Strauss and as such it is far removed from the sensual playing we get from Karajan. I think that Reiner goes to far in his quest for clarity and the music loses warmth and affection. I much prefer Szell and his Cleveland Orchestra. Reiner is brilliand but brilliant only. It goes without saying that the Chicago symphony plays immaculately and follow Reiner to a man.
Don Quixote never really takes wing in this performance. Everything is in its place but the magic eludes the musicians. I can´t feel any real sorrow being conveyed at the end, it is merely slow music. Others may feel differently, especially if this was your first recording of the piece, but I find it hard to recommend it.
The sound is a bit shrill in Don Juan and better in Don Quixote. I think this is for nostalgic reasons only. I will not rate this as a multichannel recording as it only has three channels, all in front.
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Sonics: 
