Immerse yourself in the timeless magic of "Fantasia," a captivating orchestral journey by The Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by the legendary Leopold Stokowski. Released in 1957, this album is a symphonic masterpiece that brings together some of the most iconic classical compositions, meticulously arranged by Stokowski himself.
The album opens with Bach's powerful "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor," followed by a delightful suite from Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," featuring enchanting dances like the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" and the lively "Russian Dance." The orchestral brilliance continues with excerpts from "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring," and Beethoven's "Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale'."
One of the highlights is the mesmerizing "Dance of the Hours" from Ponchielli's "La Gioconda," and the album concludes with a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Mussorgsky's "Night on Bald Mountain" seamlessly transitioning into Schubert's "Ave Maria."
This album is a testament to Stokowski's innovative approach to orchestration and his ability to bring out the rich, vibrant sounds of The Philadelphia Orchestra. The 1957 release on the BNF Collection label offers a duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes of pure orchestral bliss, making it a cherished piece for both classical music enthusiasts and those discovering the timeless beauty of these compositions.
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