SIR THOMAS BEECHAM AND THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA; Schubert, Symphonies Nos. 3, 5 and 6 (EMI Classics) ***
SIR THOMAS BEECHAM AND THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA; Rimsky-Korsakov, "Scheherazade" and Borodin, "Polovtsian Dances" (EMI Classics) —**1/2
Both of these albums — recorded in the late 1950s, when Thomas Beecham was nearly 80 — have recently been re-released as part of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" series.
The Schubert album is the most musically satisfying. Beecham revels in the lyricism of these three delightful symphonies, yet his interpretation also gives the music more depth and meaning than is usually associated with Schubert. He shows us that these aren't just a series of pretty little melodies we're dealing with, but rather there is something much more profound at work here.
However, Beecham's performances are never heavy-handed. He was too meticulous as a conductor to ever let that happen. Everything in his performance is carefully planned and executed, and each one of these symphonies is filled with wit, charm and high spirits. Listening to this album is a refreshing and rich experience.
There are several memorable moments in Beecham's Russian album, too, most notably in the passages for solo violin in "Scheherazade." Concertmaster Steven Staryk is a wonderful violinist, and he plays these sections with warmth and emotion.
Overall, Beecham gives a passionate and energetic performance of Rimsky-Korsakov's timeless classic.
Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances," which feature the Beecham Choral Society, is rhythmic, vivid and dramatic. Beecham puts some real gusto into his interpretation and makes this piece sparkle.
TERESA BERGANZA AND LUCIA VALENTINI TERRANI, WITH RICCARDO MUTI AND THE NEW PHILHARMONIA CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA; Vivaldi, "Magnificat" and "Gloria" (EMI Classics) — **
This is yet another recent re-release in EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" series. In this album, recorded in 1976 and 1977, a young Riccardo Muti elicits a forceful and decisive performance from the chorus and orchestra, in a lush and opulent interpretation of Vivaldi's two choral masterpieces. These two works contrast moods and emotions, and Muti does a great job bringing out the uplifting character of the "Gloria" and the dark, somber shadings of the "Magnificat."
And mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza and alto Lucia Valentini Terrani sing their respective solo parts with feeling and eloquence.
This isn't the definitive recording of these two works by any means, but it is a thrilling and first-rate recording of Vivaldi's best-known choral music by some very fine artists.