Sir Colin Davis, one of the most celebrated conductors of the English tradition, invites you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of classical masterpieces with "Sir Colin Davis: The Icon." This expansive collection, released in 2013, features a diverse array of compositions that showcase Davis' unparalleled mastery and deep affinity for the repertoire. Spanning a generous duration of 3 hours and 44 minutes, this album is a testament to Davis' enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world of classical music.
The album opens with the powerful and evocative Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 by Edvard Grieg, followed by a sweeping performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82. Davis' interpretations are marked by their clarity, precision, and a deep understanding of the composers' intentions, making each piece a standout performance.
A highlight of the collection is the inclusion of Franz Joseph Haydn's Symphony No. 94 in G Major, "Surprise," which showcases Davis' ability to bring out the humor and charm in Haydn's music. The album also features excerpts from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's beloved operas, including "Le nozze di Figaro," "Così fan tutte," and "Die Zauberflöte," each performed with a sense of elegance and refinement that is characteristic of Davis' conducting style.
For those who appreciate the dramatic and the sublime, the album includes selections from Hector Berlioz's "Symphonie fantastique," a work that Davis was particularly noted for advocating. The album also features Benjamin Britten's "Peter Grimes," showcasing Davis' versatility and his ability to bring out the nuanced and complex elements of modern classical works.
Sir Colin Davis: The Icon is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of a conductor's life and work, capturing the essence of his artistry and his enduring contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Sir Colin Davis or a newcomer to his work, this album offers a comprehensive and enriching experience that highlights the best of his career.
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: I. Allegro molto moderatoEdvard Grieg, Stephen Kovacevich, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: II. AdagioEdvard Grieg, Stephen Kovacevich, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16: III. Allegro moderato molto e marcatoEdvard Grieg, Stephen Kovacevich, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: I. Tempo molto moderato – Largamente – Allegro moderato – PrestoJean Sibelius, Sir Colin Davis, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: II. Andante mosso, quasi allegrettoJean Sibelius, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 82: III. Allegro molto – Misterioso – Un pochettino largamente – Largamente assaiJean Sibelius, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise": I. Adagio – Vivace assaiJoseph Haydn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise": II. AndanteJoseph Haydn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise": III. Menuetto – Trio. Allegro moltoJoseph Haydn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 94 in G Major, Hob. I:94 "Surprise": IV. Finale. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": 1. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": 2. Marcia funèbre (Adagio assai)Ludwig van Beethoven, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": 3. Scherzo (Allegro vivace)Ludwig van Beethoven, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55, "Eroica": 4. Finale (Allegro molto)Ludwig van Beethoven, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Così fan tutte: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Staatskapelle Dresden, Sir Colin Davis
Peter Grimes, Op. 33 / Act 1: Interlude II: The StormBenjamin Britten, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Patricia Payne, Jonathan Summers, John Dobson, Teresa Cahill, Anne Pashley, Chorus of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Peter Grimes, Op. 33 / Act 2: Interlude III: Sunday morning by the beachBenjamin Britten, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Peter Grimes, Op. 33 / Act 2: Interlude IV: PassacagliaBenjamin Britten, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: I. Rêveries – PassionsHector Berlioz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: II. Un bal. ValseHector Berlioz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: III. Scène aux champsHector Berlioz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: IV. Marche au suppliceHector Berlioz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Symphonie fantastique, H. 48: V. Songe d'une nuit du SabbatHector Berlioz, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis