Koussevitzky

Read About This Recording

Flipping channels the other afternoon, I came across the PBS series Antiques Roadshow and this four-CD import from the Artone series came to mind. You see, on Antiques Roadshow, average people from all walks of life meet with professional appraisers to judge the current value of an item, ranging from furniture or art to pop culture knick knacks.

So often, it's an item that someone found at a garage sale for $2 and the item, despite its slight wear and tear or mild signs of aging, turns out to be valued well above its garage sale asking price. And, musically speaking, that's what we have here. This set, featuring conductor Serge Koussevitzky, demonstrates its age through the sonic quality of the recordings. That is only natural, as hereigned on the conductor's circuit during the first half of the 20th century.

But so saying, the recorded sound does not diminish from the performances themselves and these recordings are absolute treasures. On Koussevitzky's four-CD set, the conductor is paired with just one ensemble, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, a group with whom he became synonymous for nearly a quarter of a century. When he first took over the orchestra, its musicians believed that the classical repertoire with which they were so familiar would soon be replaced with contemporary compositions, even jazz, as the conductor had done thus far.

But Koussevitzky surprised everyone by adding new works to the repertoire while staying true to the orchestra's classics. Consequently, the music featured on his collection spans a wide range of composers and styles, from Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Liszt to Rachmaninov, Sibelius, Copland and beyond.

Last, but certainly not least, we must address the issue of monetary value. What you get with this collection is a set of four CDs, jam-packed with stunning music and first-rate performers. It's just like finding that rare and valuable gem at a local garage sale - you won't find a better set for a better price.

-Elaine Sutcliffe

Extended Article

He guarded jealously over his orchestra, like a musician guarding his instrument: "I'd prefer it if we didn't have Toscanini, Beecham, or Walter conducting but instead Burgin, our own concertmaster — because he does so according to my wishes and I can feel that my orchestra maintains the same artistic discipline."

Contents

Imported from Europe!

Remastered!

CD 1 (TT: 76:38): Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 in A Major, Op. 90, Italian; Berlioz: Harold in Italy, Op. 16*; Liszt: Mephisto Waltz, No. 1.

*William Primrose, Viola; Boston Symphony Orchestra; Serge Koussevitzky, Conductor.

CD 2 (TT: 79:17): Tchaikovsky: Francesa da Rimini, Op. 32; Scriabin: Poeme de l'extase, Op. 54; Rachmaninov: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44.

Boston Symphony Orchestra; Serge Koussevitzky, Conductor.

CD 3 (TT: 70:40): Strauss: Don Juan, Op. 20; Sibelius: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 43; Prokofieff: Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25, Classical.

Boston Symphony Orchestra; Serge Koussevitzky, Conductor.

CD 4 (TT: 76:26): Harris: Symphony No. 3 in One Movement; Hanson: Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 63; Copland: Appalachian Spring.

Boston Symphony Orchestra; Serge Koussevitzky, Conductor.

Includes 18-page book.