Richard Strauss is likely best remembered for his contributions in two domains. First are his operas, some of which (Salome, for example) are modern miracles. Second, of course, are his tone poems. This laudable and affordable collection brings together some very fine recordings by the sometimes underrated Karl Böhm. While the recording quality is not exactly sterling on some of the works (notably the Alpine Symphony), the interpretations and generally high-quality of playing make up for this shortcoming. And not all of the recordings suffer from this malady. The recordings date from the late 50s through the late 80s, and of the nine works, two-thirds are in stereo (the mono exceptions are the Alpine Symphony, Don Juan, and Ein Heldenleben).

This month's clip is a snippet of the opening of that very hero's life, the introduction of the Hero himself, Mr. Strauss. Naturally the Hero is in E-flat major, and indeed this is one of the more famous hat-tips in music history. (Schoenberg picks up the mantle to finish off his Ode to Napoleon).