Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Constantin Silvestri, conductor
Recorded: Town Hall, Bournemouth, 25 September 1962 (Reznicek), Winter Gardens, Bournemouth, 3 July 1967 (Tchaikovsky, Elgar)
This the fourth release on BBC Legends of the Rumanian conductor Constantin Silvestri (1913- 1969) who spent his last years as Music Director of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra raising it to an international level which it enjoys today. Silvestri recorded frequently for EMI with the Philharmonia, Vienna Philharmonic, Orchestre National in Paris, London Philharmonic and Paris Conservatoire.
The composer Emil von Reznicek was Silvestri's uncle (on his mother's side). This early and very high spirited performance with the BSO from 1962 of Reznicek's popular Donna Diana Overture confirms Silvestri's wonderful rapport with the orchestra.
Silvestri made his name on EMI with his exciting but sometimes controversial recordings of Tchaikovsky's Symphonies Nos. 4, 5 and 6. BBC Legends has issued his November 1966 broadcast of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No.2 'Little Russian' and now we have Symphony No.3 'Polish' from a July 1967 broadcast in warm and immediate sound.
Silvestri's EMI recording of Elgar's 'In the South' Overture remains a classic to this day. BBC Legends have added the composer's Symphony No.1 (from 1968) and the 'Cockaigne' Overture (from 1966) and now we have probably the most popular Elgar work written, the 'Enigma Variations' (from July 1967) in a performance of deep understanding with a touch of non traditionalist about it.
“The real fireworks, come with the Donna Diana Overture by Silvestri's uncle Emil von Reznicek - pure fluff, but played with a virtuosity that is staggering.”
The Guardian, 5th May 2009
“The account of Reznicek’s Donna Diana overture, in the town hall, fizzes with life and energy..., the Silvestri qualities of clarity, brilliance, precision and expressivity shine through. Both performances have great panache. Silvestri’s Elgar, full of vivid details, is unencumbered with tradition.”
Sunday Times, 3rd May 2009
