Immerse yourself in the golden age of classical music with "Sunday Evenings with Pierre Monteux," a captivating collection of live broadcast performances from the legendary conductor's tenure in California between 1941 and 1952. This extensive 13-CD set, released by Music and Arts Programs of America, offers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the mastery of Pierre Monteux, one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century.
Spanning over 7 hours and 45 minutes, this album features a diverse repertoire of orchestral works, showcasing Monteux's versatility and deep understanding of the classical canon. From the dramatic overtures of Beethoven and Wagner to the lyrical elegance of Mozart and the grandeur of Strauss, each piece is performed with the conductor's signature precision and expressive depth.
Highlights include Monteux's interpretations of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, Mozart's "Haffner" Symphony, and Wagner's iconic "Tristan und Isolde" prelude. The set also includes lesser-known works that Monteux championed, providing a unique insight into his artistic vision and the breadth of his repertoire.
Recorded live, these performances capture the spontaneity and energy of Monteux's conducting, making this album a treasure trove for both seasoned classical enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The inclusion of works that Monteux did not commercially record elsewhere adds to the set's historical and musical significance.
"Sunday Evenings with Pierre Monteux" is not just a collection of performances; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of a conductor who shaped the sound of orchestral music for generations. Whether you are a fan of Monteux's work or simply appreciate the artistry of classical music, this album is a compelling addition to any collection.
2012 Music and Arts Programs of America2012 (P) Music and Arts Programs of America
Tracks
Die Weihe des Hauses Overture, Op. 124Ludwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: II. Andante con motoLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: III. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43, Die Geschopfe des Prometheus (the Creatures of Prometheus), Op. 43, Act II: AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Egmont, Op. 84: OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Fidelio, Op. 72: OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72bLudwig van Beethoven, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Don Giovanni, K. 527: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": I. Allegro con spiritoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": III. Menuetto - TrioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 35 in D Major, K. 385 "Haffner": IV. Finale. PrestoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, William Kapell, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414: III. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, William Kapell, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Zauberflöte, K. 620: Die Zauberflöte (the Magic Flute), K. 620: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384: Overture (Abduction from the Seraglio)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Iphigénie en Aulide, Overture: Iphigenie en Aulide: OvertureChristoph Willibald Gluck, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: I. Adagio - AllegroJoseph Haydn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: II. LargoJoseph Haydn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: III. Menuetto - Trio. AllegrettoJoseph Haydn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 88 in G Major, Hob. I:88: IV. Finale. Allegro con spiritoJoseph Haydn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Don Juan, Op. 20, TrV 156Richard Strauss, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Tod und Verklärung, Op. 24, TrV 158: Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration), Op. 24, TrV 158Richard Strauss, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche, Op. 28, TrV 171: Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche (Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks), Op. 28, TrV 171Richard Strauss, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Der Rosenkavalier Suite, Op. 59, TrV 227Richard Strauss, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Parsifal, Act I: Prelude - Act III: Karfreitagszauber (Good Friday Magic)Richard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act I: PreludeRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, WWV 96, Act III: Procession of the Meistersingers - Dance of the ApprenticesRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Der fliegende Holländer, WWV 63: Der fliegende Holländer (the Flying Dutchman): OvertureRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Tristan und Isolde, Act I: Prelude - LiebestodRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Die Walküre, Act III, Leb' wohl … Loge hor! Lausche hieher, "Wotan's Farewell" - Feuerzauber (Magic Fire music), Die Walküre, Act III: Leb' wohl … Loge hor! Lausche hieher, "Wotan's Farewell" - Act III: Feuerzauber [Magic fire music]Richard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Siegfried, Act II: Forest MurmursRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Götterdämmerung, WWV 86D, Götterdämmerung (Twilight of the Gods), Act I: Siegfried's Rhine JourneyRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Rienzi, WWV 49: Rienzi: OvertureRichard Wagner, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Les préludes, S. 97: Les Preludes, S. 97/R. 414Franz Liszt, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
6 Hungarian Rhapsodies, S. 359/R. 441: No. 2 in D MinorFranz Liszt, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Le carnaval romain, Op. 9, H. 95: Le carnaval romain, Op. 9: OvertureHector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Les Troyens: PreludeHector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
L'enfance du Christ, Op. 25, Pt. II, "La fuite en Egypte", Ouverture - Pt. III, "L'arrivee a Sais", Depuis trios jours: Pt. II: La fuite en Egypte: Overture - Pt. III: The Arrival at Sais: Trio for two flutes and harp, played by the young IshmaelitesHector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
La damnation de Faust, Op. 24, Pt. III, Minuet of the Wills-o'-the-Wisp: La damnation de Faust, Op. 24, Pt. III: Menuet des Follets - Pt. II: Ballet des Sylphes - Pt. I: Hungarian March, "Rákóczy March"Hector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Roméo et Juliette, Op. 17, Romeo et Juliette, Op. 17: Fighting - Tumult - Romeo alone - Romeo at the vault of the Capulets - Love SceneHector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Le corsaire, Op. 21, H. 101: Le corsaire, Op. 21: OvertureHector Berlioz, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
The Hebrides, Op. 26, "Fingal's Cave"Felix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N 16 "Italian": I. Allegro vivaceFelix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N 16 "Italian": II. Andante con motoFelix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N 16 "Italian": III. Con moto moderatoFelix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, MWV N 16 "Italian": IV. Saltarello: PrestoFelix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux
Ruy Blas Overture, Op. 95Felix Mendelssohn, Standard Symphony Orchestra, Pierre Monteux