Rimski-Korsakov - Prokofiev - Stravinski - Tchaïkovski, Orchestre national de la RTF, Concert du 08/05/1958, Pierre Monteux

Immerse yourself in a timeless concert experience with the Orchestre National de la RTF, conducted by the renowned Pierre Monteux. This album, recorded on May 8, 1958, and released on February 1, 2017, by Ina, musique(s), offers a captivating journey through the works of four Russian composers: Rimsky-Korsakov, Prokofiev, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky.

The concert opens with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "Le Coq D'or," featuring the Introduction and Cortège de noces, setting a vibrant and orchestral tone. Following this, Sergei Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 "Classique," is performed in its entirety, showcasing the orchestra's mastery of Prokofiev's neoclassical style.

The second half of the concert is dedicated to Igor Stravinsky's "Petrouchka," a ballet score that is as dramatic as it is colorful. The orchestra brings to life the vivid scenes and characters of this iconic work, from the bustling Shrovetide Fair to the eerie atmosphere of Petrouchka's room.

The concert concludes with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64, a powerful and emotionally charged piece that demonstrates the full range of the orchestra's capabilities. The four movements of this symphony are performed with precision and passion, providing a fitting finale to this extraordinary concert.

With a duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, this album is a testament to the Orchestre National de la RTF's exceptional skill and Pierre Monteux's conducting prowess. It is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast, offering a rare opportunity to experience a historic concert from one of the most celebrated orchestras of the 20th century.