Various: 75th Anniversary Box Set vol.1 (LPO Audio CD)

THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA


75th Anniversary Edition Box Set


Volume 1: 1932-1957

Total playing time

4 hrs 43 mins


Founded by Sir Thomas Beecham, the London Philharmonic Orchestra made its first recordings on 10 October 1932, just three days after its first public performance. Recognised as one of the world’s great orchestras, it has recorded and broadcast regularly ever since. This is the first of three 4CD boxsets to be released as part of the Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary in 2007. It presents a vivid chronicle in music of the Orchestra’s first 25 years under its first four Principal Conductors, and its contribution to the early era of the record industry.

Alongside previously released Beecham and Van Beinum discs, this set contains two brand new releases, both quite different in composition:

The first is a disc of recordings by Sir Adrian Boult. His extraordinary influence straddles four decades, with the works on this disc coming from the 1940s and 1950s. This period was one of the most fruitful in the Orchestra’s history, with unprecedented trips abroad and a busy recording schedule. Pioneering spirit and dedication are clearly evident in these vivid recordings.

In contrast, Anatole Fistoulari’s reign as Principal Conductor was short, but his association with the orchestra extended well beyond his titled tenure. This included an historic trip to the USSR in 1956. Fistoulari was Khachaturian’s champion and contemporary and his feeling for the music is vividly heard in these concertos. Cornish pianist Moura Lympany turned the Piano Concerto into her calling card after giving the British premiere in 1940. American violinist Ruggiero Ricci, now in his late 80s, prided himself on his wide-ranging repertoire, and in this recording from 1956 it is clear that his youthful talents made him a natural champion and perfect choice as soloist.

‘Van Beinum’s performance has a fizzing brilliance, humour and pin-point precision that is hard to beat. A terrific disc.’ International Record Review on LPO0011, Sept 06

‘... Scintillating examples of the playing that transformed the British orchestral scene.’ Sunday Times on LPO0006, Oct 05

‘A fascinating disc. The disc’s highlight - which makes it indispensable - is España, a wonderful performance and a superb recording that might have been made yesterday.’

Gramophone on LPO0006, Feb 06


London Philharmonic Orchestra 4cds LPO0097