Festival de Montreux, G. F. Haendel - W. A. Mozart - C. Debussy - A. Roussel, Concert du 15/09/1959, Orchestre National de la RTF, Charles Munch , Clara Haskil

Experience the timeless elegance of classical music with the Orchestre National de la RTF in this captivating live concert recording from the Festival de Montreux, dated September 15, 1959. Conducted by the renowned Charles Munch and featuring the virtuoso pianist Clara Haskil, this album is a treasure trove of masterpieces by four distinguished composers: George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Claude Debussy, and Albert Roussel.

The concert opens with Handel's enchanting "Water Music," a suite that showcases the orchestra's prowess in bringing to life the lively and graceful melodies of the Baroque era. Following this, Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K. 488, takes center stage, with Clara Haskil's delicate and expressive playing illuminating the concerto's emotional depth and technical brilliance.

The second half of the concert is dedicated to the impressionist and post-impressionist works of Debussy and Roussel. Debussy's "Ibéria," a vivid orchestral suite inspired by Spanish landscapes and culture, is followed by excerpts from Roussel's opera "Bacchus et Ariane." These performances highlight the orchestra's versatility and the conductor's skill in navigating the intricate and evocative scores of these French composers.

Recorded in 1959 and released by Ina, musique(s), this album offers a rare opportunity to hear the Orchestre National de la RTF in their prime, performing a diverse program that spans centuries and styles. With a duration of 1 hour and 23 minutes, this live recording is a testament to the enduring power of classical music and the artistry of its performers.