David
Senior Member
Autograph - obtained by me on 13th June 1977 at the Royal Festival Hall in London
Posts: 100
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Post by David on Nov 29, 2008 16:29:43 GMT 1
The recent series of outstanding releases from Testament continues with the issue in December of a recording of a concert in The Royal Albert Hall, London on 19th October 1947. A concert by the Philharmonia Orchestra 61 years ago would not normally merit a release in poor quality sound and with various short omissions from the pieces, except that in this case the event was conducted by Richard Strauss himself. As an avid admirer of Strauss myself, this issue is therefore of great interest. In addition, my small collection of Strauss memorabilia includes the programme for this 1947 concert, although I should stress that I was not actually present myself, but obtained it three or so years ago via a well known internet auction site. How does all of this relate to Karajan, I hear you say. The PDF booklet for the release is available on the Testament site and it contains a short reference to Karajan and Walter Legge. www.testament.co.uk/default.aspx/?pageID=69However it is the notice in the 19th October 1947 programme which highlights Karajan’s first appearance in London six months later on 11th April 1948 which I hope may be of interest. I suspect that the narrative may have been suggested by Walter Legge, but in any case you certainly can’t disagree.
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Post by stuartg on Nov 29, 2008 22:22:49 GMT 1
David, Don't know if you've picked up on it yet, but Naxos have the following listed on their website under November releases - Historical: Recorded 17th September 1943 at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Brahms 1, LvB Leonore No.3, Strauss Dance of the seven veils - Concertgebouw Karajan. The CD has a photo of HvK circa 1935 on the front. www.naxos.com/catalogue/item.asp?item_code=8.111298Sorry, I couldn't tiny the link, it defeated me! Stuart
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Post by jhgaulard on Nov 30, 2008 13:53:27 GMT 1
Well, In any case the Strauss CD promises to be a fantastic event! Let us not forget that Karajan held Strauss in absolute awe, and if I am not mistaken, he started his legendary recording of "Metamorphosen" the day after that concert. I think it ranks as my favourite recording of the 1946-1950 era and one of my "top 10" in any maestro discography.
Also if I remember well, Karajan shot himself in the foot shortly after the war when he was about to come back for good to the Salzbourg Festival when he wrote that letter to the then manager of the festival Gottfried von Einem asking him to maintain the Festival "in the spirit of Richard Strauss.
So thanks very much David also for that fantastic program notice! a piece of history indeed!
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David
Senior Member
Autograph - obtained by me on 13th June 1977 at the Royal Festival Hall in London
Posts: 100
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Post by David on Dec 3, 2008 23:30:00 GMT 1
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Post by stuartg on Dec 5, 2008 22:07:45 GMT 1
Hello David, there's nothing controversial about these recordings, they are out of copyright in Europe (and probably the USA too, but Naxos doesn't want to risk it in such a highly litigious country!).
At least the narrative goes on to say that Hvk was an exceptional conductor and master of the orchestra!
Best wishes
Stuart
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lee
Senior Member
Posts: 187
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Post by lee on Dec 6, 2008 12:34:13 GMT 1
Hi Stuart
Trust that you are well ? I think that David was being his usual diplomatic self when commenting on the Naxos releases ! Whilst there is nothing strictly illegal about what their policy of reissuing out of copyright recordings, I believe that Naxos do not have access to the original master tapes, so what you are hearing on their releases are in fact high quality transfers from lp's and 78's, often - bizarrely - with better results than the parent company's own efforts ! That said, I applaud Naxos' endeavour, in particular in making available neglected repertoire at such affordable prices, as well as those historical recordings which rarely see the light of day thanks to the apathy of the owning company. With regards to the latter, the controversy arises since in the USA the copyright of sound recordings is 75 years, whereas in Europe it's 50 - there have been court cases recently as American collectors have been able to access these historical recordings directly from Europe, which I don't believe Naxos won. Still the Karajan/COA Brahms recording is fairly remarkable, although I'd be inclined to point people in the direction of the recent Testament release in preference, even if it is a little more expensive.
Best regards, Lee
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Rosy
Senior Member
Posts: 540
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Post by Rosy on Dec 6, 2008 19:06:54 GMT 1
Hello All! apart from all your right considerations, I would like to thank David for his article on Richard Strauss and I agree with what Jaques-Henry wrote in his post. I greatly regret that in italian theaters the work of this great artist are too rarely performed and many Lyric Opera passionates know probaly only Der Rosenkavalier ! ********************** Rosy
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Post by stuartg on Dec 9, 2008 0:22:20 GMT 1
Dear Lee
Thank you, I'm well. I agree, it is amazing what that engineer at Naxos is able to do with those recordings.
I know I prefer the Naxos Hansel und Gretel to the EMI release.
Your point concerning Naxos making recordings available at affordable prices is very close to my heart. We are so lucky to have access to these recordings at a fraction of the price (in real terms) that people were paying in the 50s and 60s.
Regards
Stuart
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