This three SACD set contains Richard Strauss' opera "Der Rosenkavalier" performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, and the Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor, led by Helmut Froschauer. Sung in German. This reissue series of classical music masterpieces by Esoteric has attracted a lot of attention, both for its uncompromising commitment to recreating the original master sound. This series marks the first hybrid SACD release of historical recording selections that have been mainstays of the catalog since their initial release.

The music of Johannes Brahms held an important place in Sir John Barbirolli's repertoire and these recordings of the symphonies, made with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1966 and 1967, stand as one of the peaks of his discography. Barbirolli's relationship with this music is rooted in his time as an orchestral cellist, and these performances are notable for their rich, ripe sonorities and expansive warmth. This Japanese SACD reissue features the latest EMI Remaster.

Karajan's Decca recording project marked a new era. Elegant performances inscribed with the long and close relationship between Karajan and the Wiener Philharmoniker.

Far more than the Tchaikovsky Fourth and Fifth that Decca recorded live with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Gergiev's "Pathetique" bids fair to be considered one of the great ones.