Richard Strauss, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner – Also Sprach Zarathustra

“Also Sprach Zarathustra” was Reiner’s first recording with the Chicago Symphony. Reiner chose the work to demonstrate the quality of the orchestra. It was produced by John Pfeiffer and engineered by Leslie Chase. The quality of the recording led RCA to include Richard Mohr and Lewis Layton on future recordings with the orchestra. Although recorded in stereo in 1954, “Also Sprach” was first released in mono that same year, and released as a “Living Stereo” in 1960. The recording was two-track, impressively capturing the expanse of the large orchestra.