Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of classical music with "Works of Chabrier, Franck, Grétry, Lalo, Méhul, Saint-Saëns, Delius, Balakirev & Strauss (Live)" by the legendary Sir Thomas Beecham. This extraordinary album, released on May 17, 2019, under the ICA Classics label, is a treasure trove of live performances spanning from 1952 to 1959. It's a rare opportunity to experience Beecham's masterful conducting and the exquisite performances of the orchestras he led.
The album is a diverse collection of works by some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history. From the overture of Grétry's "Gwendoline" to the symphonies of Balakirev, and from the operatic pieces of Saint-Saëns to the orchestral suites of Strauss, this album offers a comprehensive journey through the romantic and post-romantic periods. The inclusion of Delius's "North Country Sketches" adds a touch of English pastoral charm, showcasing Beecham's affinity for British music.
With a duration of over three hours, this album is a substantial collection that rewards repeated listening. The live recordings capture the energy and spontaneity of the performances, providing a unique insight into Beecham's interpretation of these works. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a captivating exploration of the symphonic and operatic repertoire.
2019 International Classical Artists Ltd2019 BBC, under licence to ICA Classics Ltd.
Tracks
Gwendoline: Overture - LiveEmmanuel Chabrier, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Le chasseur maudit, CFF 128 - LiveCésar Franck, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Zémire et Azor: Entrée. Ballet des Génies - LiveAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Zémire et Azor: Passepied. 2e air de ballet - LiveAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Zémire et Azor: Pantomime. 1er air de ballet - LiveAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Zémire et Azor: Entracte - LiveAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Zémire et Azor: Finale. Ali's Ariette - Je suis encore tremblant - LiveAndré-Ernest-Modeste Grétry, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony in G Minor: I. Andante - Allegro non troppo - LiveÉdouard Lalo, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony in G Minor: II. Vivace - LiveÉdouard Lalo, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony in G Minor: III. Adagio - LiveÉdouard Lalo, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony in G Minor: IV. Allegro - LiveÉdouard Lalo, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 2 in D Major: I. Adagio - Allegro - LiveÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 2 in D Major: II. Andante - LiveÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 2 in D Major: III. Menuet: Allegro - LiveÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 2 in D Major: IV. Allegro vivace - LiveÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act I: Danse des pretresses de Dagon - LiveCamille Saint-Saëns, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act III: Bacchanale - LiveCamille Saint-Saëns, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
North Country Sketches, RT VI/20: I. Autumn - LiveFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
North Country Sketches, RT VI/20: III. Dance - LiveFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
North Country Sketches, RT VI/20: II. Winter Landscape - LiveFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
North Country Sketches, RT VI/20: IV. The March of Spring - LiveFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 1 in C Major: I. Grave - Allegro non troppo - LiveMily Balakirev, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 1 in C Major: II. Scherzo. Vivo - LiveMily Balakirev, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 1 in C Major: III. Andante - LiveMily Balakirev, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Symphony No. 1 in C Major: IV. Finale. Allegro moderato - LiveMily Balakirev, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: I. Overture - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: II. Jourdain-Minuet - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: III. The Fencing master - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: IV. Entrance and Dance of the Tailors - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: V. Intermezzo - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Der Bürger als Edelmann, Suite Op. 60: VI. The Dinner - LiveRichard Strauss, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Sir Thomas Beecham, the charismatic and influential English conductor and impresario, left an indelible mark on the classical music scene, both in Britain and internationally. Born into wealth, Beecham was able to pursue his musical passions with unparalleled freedom, founding and leading several major orchestras, including the renowned London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic orchestras. His eclectic repertoire and advocacy for neglected composers made his performances unforgettable experiences. Beecham's wit and originality were as legendary as his conducting prowess, making him a beloved and respected figure in the music world. His dedication to improving orchestral and operatic performances in England earned him the title of Britain's first international conductor from the BBC. Beecham's legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike, with his recordings and the orchestras he founded still celebrated today.
Vinylscout
Sir Thomas Beecham
