GREAT MUSICIANS IN COPENHAGEN: Works by Dvorak,
Tchaikovsky, Debussy, Poulenc, Beethoven, Chopin and Paganini.
Gregor Piatigorsky,
Vladimir Horowitz, Rudolf Serkin, Nathan Milstein, Wanda Landowska.
Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra Fritz Busch/Nikolai Malko.
Danacord DACOCD303.
70m (Recorded 1932-43).
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This is an unmissable collection of historic treasures assembled from some
extremely rare 'off air' recordings from the archives of Danish Radio. Fritz
Busch's virile and passionate conducting is evident in this blistering 'Carnival
Overture'. It leaps out of the primitive sound. It is a pity that we have
to contend with excerpts only from recordings such as in the Dvorak Cello
Concerto, the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1 and the Beethoven Fourth.
Gregor Piatigorsky's aristocratic style is matched by Nikolai Malko's deeply
committed conducting and the beautiful melodies of Dvorak's concerto come
to the fore. Horowitz's legendary playing can be heard in the Finale from
the Tchaikovsky Concerto whilst the great Rudolf Serkin plays with consummate
brilliance in the Beethoven Concerto (No. 4) ably supported by Fritz Busch.
An equally enticing titbit is Wanda Landowska's authoritative playing in
Poulenc's Concert Champetre with the harpsichord sounding rather like a 'skeleton
in the closet' (Beecham's inimitable phrase). We are also treated to some
scintillating Chopin Etudes by Rudolf Serkin and an equally soul-searching
'Doll's Serenade' from Debussy's 'Children's Corner'. Finally there is the
youthful Nathan Milstein in 1933 playing Paganini Caprices with ferocious
virtuosity.
I cannot overstate the importance of these recordings as they enshrine some
extremely rare events and show familiar masters at a very early stage in
their careers. Thanks to Jesper Buhl and Danacord who are constantly issuing
material of the highest and most impeccable quality from the Danish archives.
Reviewer
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
