Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with "Munch in Boston: The Early Years," a meticulously curated collection of recordings by the legendary conductor Charles Münch. This album, released on October 4, 2011, by West Hill Radio Archives, offers a comprehensive journey through Münch's early tenure with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, capturing the essence of his dynamic and charismatic conducting style.
Spanning over six hours and thirty-six minutes, this double album showcases Münch's mastery of the French orchestral repertoire, as well as his versatility across a wide range of classical compositions. From the evocative "Images: No. 2. Iberia" by Maurice Ravel to the powerful "Symphony No. 5" by Franz Schubert, each track is a testament to Münch's ability to bring out the best in both the orchestra and the music.
The album features a diverse selection of works, including orchestral suites, symphonies, and concertos, all performed with the precision and passion that Münch was known for. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "La danse des morts" by Louis Vierne, the dramatic "Tristan und Isolde" by Richard Wagner, and the iconic "Symphony No. 41" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, known as the "Jupiter Symphony."
"Munch in Boston: The Early Years" is not just a collection of recordings; it is a historical document that captures a pivotal moment in the career of one of the 20th century's most influential conductors. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a unique opportunity to experience the artistry of Charles Münch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra in their prime.
2011 West Hill Radio Archives2011 West Hill Radio Archives
Tracks
Images: No. 2. Iberia: a. Par les rues et par les chemins -Claude Debussy, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Images: No. 2. Iberia: b. Les parfums de la nuit -Claude Debussy, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Images: No. 2. Iberia: c. Le matin d'un jour de feteClaude Debussy, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Le tombeau de Couperin (version for orchestra): No. 1. PreludeMaurice Ravel, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Le tombeau de Couperin (version for orchestra): No. 2. ForlaneMaurice Ravel, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Le tombeau de Couperin (version for orchestra): No. 3. MenuetMaurice Ravel, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Le tombeau de Couperin (version for orchestra): No. 4. RigaudonMaurice Ravel, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: I. —Arthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: II. Danse des mortsArthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: III. LamentoArthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: IV. SanglotsArthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: V. La Repose de DieuArthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La danse des morts, H. 131: VI. Esperance dans la CroixArthur Honegger, Arnold Moss, Mariquita Moll, Betty Allen, Gérard Souzay, New England Conservatory Chorus, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Tristan und Isolde, Act I: Prelude - Act III: LiebestodRichard Wagner, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: I. AllegroFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: II. Andante con motoFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: III. Menuetto: Allegro moltoFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 5 in B-Flat Major, D. 485: IV. Allegro vivaceFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759, "Unfinished": I. Allegro moderatoFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759, "Unfinished": II. Andante con motoFranz Schubert, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
La muette de Portici, S. 16: OvertureDaniel Auber, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16, "Italian": I. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16, "Italian": II. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16, "Italian": III. Con moto moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N16, "Italian": IV. Saltarello: PrestoFelix Mendelssohn, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61: I. Sostenuto assaiRobert Schumann, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61: II. ScherzoRobert Schumann, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61: III. Adagio espressivoRobert Schumann, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in C Major, Op. 61: IV. Allegro molto vivaceRobert Schumann, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (The Mastersingers of Nuremberg), Act III: PreludeRichard Wagner, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 'Jupiter': I. Allegro vivaceWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 'Jupiter': II. Andante cantabileWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 'Jupiter': III. Menuetto: AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 'Jupiter': IV. Molto AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Klavierkonzert Nr. 5 Es-Dur, Op. 73: I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Lelia Gousseau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Klavierkonzert Nr. 5 Es-Dur, Op. 73: II. Adagio un poco mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Lelia Gousseau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Klavierkonzert Nr. 5 Es-Dur, Op. 73: III. Rondo: AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Lelia Gousseau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: I. Adagio molto - Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: II. LarghettoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: III. ScherzoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36: IV. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": III. Scherzo: Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": IV. Finale: Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Sinfonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsinfonie": 2. Maestoso - Allegro - Più allegro - Molto allegro - Pesante (Ein Schweinchen names Babe): I. Adagio - Allegro moderato -Camille Saint-Saëns, E. Power Biggs, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Sinfonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsinfonie": 2. Maestoso - Allegro - Più allegro - Molto allegro - Pesante (Ein Schweinchen names Babe): I. Poco adagioCamille Saint-Saëns, E. Power Biggs, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Sinfonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsinfonie": 2. Maestoso - Allegro - Più allegro - Molto allegro - Pesante (Ein Schweinchen names Babe): II. Allegro moderato - Presto - Allegro moderato - Presto - Allegro moderato -Camille Saint-Saëns, E. Power Biggs, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Sinfonie Nr. 3 c-Moll, Op. 78, "Orgelsinfonie": 2. Maestoso - Allegro - Più allegro - Molto allegro - Pesante (Ein Schweinchen names Babe): II. Maestoso - Allegro - Piu allegro - Molto allegro - PesanteCamille Saint-Saëns, E. Power Biggs, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphonie espagnole, Op. 21: I. Allegro non troppoÉdouard Lalo, Ruth Posselt, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch