Immerse yourself in the golden age of classical music with "The Chicago Golden Years," a captivating collection of performances by the legendary Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Recorded between 1954 and 1957, this album showcases the pinnacle of Reiner's tenure with the orchestra, offering a rich tapestry of symphonic masterpieces that highlight the ensemble's virtuosity and Reiner's unparalleled conducting prowess.
Spanning over three and a half hours, this comprehensive collection features iconic works from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history. From Beethoven's powerful "Eroica" Symphony and the evocative "Symphony No. 9 'From the New World'" by Dvořák, to the enchanting waltzes of Johann Strauss II and the vivid orchestral suites of Mussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition," each piece is performed with precision and passion.
The album also includes Tchaikovsky's dramatic "Piano Concerto No. 1," showcasing the orchestra's versatility and Reiner's ability to bring out the best in both soloists and the ensemble. With its impeccable sound quality and historical significance, "The Chicago Golden Years" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Fritz Reiner and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
2015 Andromeda2015 Andromeda
Tracks
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": III. Scherzo: Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": IV. Finale: Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72bLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
An der schonen, blauen Donau (The Beautiful Blue Danube), Waltz, Op. 314Johann Strauss II, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Kaiser-Walzer (Emperor Waltz), Op. 437Johann Strauss II, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Dorfschwalben aus Oesterreich, Op. 164Josef Strauss, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: I. Poco sostenuto - VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: III. Presto, assai meno prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: IV. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 B. 178 "From the New World": I. Adagio - Allegro moltoAntonín Dvořák, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 B. 178 "From the New World": II. LargoAntonín Dvořák, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 B. 178 "From the New World": III. Molto vivaceAntonín Dvořák, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95 B. 178 "From the New World": IV. Allegro con fuocoAntonín Dvořák, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): PromenadeAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): I. GnomusAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): PromenadeAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): II. Old CastleAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): PromenadeAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): III. TuileriesAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): IV. BydloAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): PromenadeAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): V. Ballet of the Chickens in their ShellsAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): VI. Samuel Goldenberg and SchmuyleAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): VII. The Market-Place at LimogesAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): VIII. Catacombae (Sepulcrum romanum)Anonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): VIII. Con mortuis in lingua mortuaAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): IX. The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga)Anonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Pictures at an Exhibition (Arr. for Orchestra): X. The Great Gate at KievAnonymous, Modest Mussorgsky, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23 TH 55: I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso - Allegro con spiritoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23 TH 55: II. Andantino semplice - Prestissimo - Tempo IPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 23 TH 55: III. Allegro con fuocoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Emil Gilels, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Fritz Reiner, born Frederick Martin Reiner, was a Hungarian-born American conductor renowned for his mastery of both opera and symphonic music. Emigrating to the United States in 1922, Reiner's career soared as he led several prominent orchestras, culminating in his tenure as music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for his precise and dynamic conducting style, Reiner's recordings with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra are celebrated for their virtuosity and elegance, showcasing his ability to bring out the finest in both the orchestra and the compositions he conducted. His legacy endures through his extensive discography, which includes notable interpretations of works by composers such as Prokofiev and Stravinsky.