London Philharmonic Orchestra - 4CD-BOX: 75th Anniversary

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Founded by Sir Thomas Beecham, the London Philharmonic Orchestra made its first recordings on 10 October 1932, just three days after its first public performance.Recognised as one of the world’s great orchestras, it has recorded and broadcast regularly ever since. This is the first of three 4CD boxsets to be released as part of the Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary in 2007. It presents a vivid chronicle in music of the Orchestra’s first 25 years under its first four Principal Conductors, and its contribution to the early era of the record industry. Alongside previously released Beecham and Van Beinum discs, this set contains two brand new releases, both quite different in composition: The first is a disc of recordings by Sir Adrian Boult. His extraordinary influence
straddles four decades, with the works on this disc coming from the 1940s and 1950s. This period was one of the most fruitful in the Orchestra’s history, with unprecedented trips abroad and a busy recording schedule. Pioneering spirit and dedication are clearly evident in these vivid recordings. In contrast, Anatole Fistoulari’s reign as Principal Conductor was short, but his
association with the orchestra extended well beyond his titled tenure. This included an historic trip to the USSR in 1956. Fistoulari was Khachaturian’s champion and contemporary and his feeling for the music is vividly heard in these concertos.
Cornish pianist Moura Lympany turned the Piano Concerto into her calling card after giving the British premiere in 1940. American violinist Ruggiero Ricci, now in his late 80s, prided himself on his wide-ranging repertoire, and in this recording
from 1956 it is clear that his youthful talents made him a natural champion and perfect choice as soloist.
CD 1
Sir Thomas Beecham conducts
the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Sibelius: The Tempest / Mozart: Mass in C minor
Handel: Israel in Egypt / Mozart: Symphony No.35
‘Haffner’ / Chabrier: Espana
Dora Labette, soprano / Leeds Festival Chorus
(previously released as LPO-0006)

CD 2
Eduard van Beinum conducts
the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Arnold: Beckus the Dandipratt / Mahler: Lieder
eines fahrenden Gesellen / Beethoven: Overture -
Leonora No.1 / Brahms: Haydn Variations
Elgar: Wand of Youth suite No.2
Eugenia Zareska, mezzo-soprano
(previously released as LPO-0011)

CD 3
Sir Adrian Boult conducts
the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Nicolai: Overture to ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’
Haydn: German Dances / Handel/Harty: Music for
the Royal Fireworks / Brahms: Academic Festival
Overture / JS Bach/Elgar: Fantasia and Fugue
Sibelius: En Saga
Jean Pougnet, violin
LPO-0021

CD 4
Anatole Fistoulari conducts
the London Philharmonic Orchestra
Khachaturian: Violin Concerto in D minor
Piano Concerto in D flat major
Ruggiero Ricci, violin / Moura Lympany, piano
LPO-0022