Issay Dobrowen, Pt. 3. Rimsky-Korsakov, Borodin, Tchaikovsky

Not so long ago, I posted this same Scheherezade recording from my own copy, but this is a new transfer from a better copy, which I've also presented in 24/88.2 format for those who prefer a high resolution version. Dobrowen was very busy in the recording studios in 1952, both in London and Paris. Certainly, the two Rimsky-Korsakov records are among his best, particularly benefiting from the Philharmonia Orchestra at their peak. The Borodin Symphony was not a record that I had come across before, and it's certainly less known than the complete version of Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov (with Boris Christoff), recorded with this same ensemble in 1952. The Francesca recording was issued on 78, and it may be that better sound resides in those grooves, as opposed to the somewhat constricted dubbing presented on this early 50's RCA Bluebird pressing.

Note: the editing mistake at the beginning of the Coq d'or Suite's 3rd movement is in the original (Angel) lp. The first several notes are missing!

CD 1:
Rimsky-Korsakov: The tsar Sultan - Suite
Rimsky-Korsakov: Le coq d'or - Suite
Philharmonia Orchestra
Recorded December 4 (Tsar) & 5 (Coq), 1952
in Kingsway Hall, London
Columbia 33SX1010, Angel 35010

Tchaikovsky: Francesca da Rimini, op. 32
Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Recorded November 14 & 15, 1949
HMV C4040/42 (matr. 2CS 2713/17)
RCA Bluebird LBC 1010

CD 2:
Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade, op. 35
Philharmonia Orchestra
Recorded December 17, 1952
in EMI Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London
Columbia 33SX1007, Angel 35009

Borodin: Symphony No. 2 in B minor
Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion française
Recorded July 20, 1952
in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris
Voix de son maître FBLP1030

Issay Dobrowen, conductor

Rapidshare Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca (Mp3)
Rapidshare Link Scheherezade, Borodin (Mp3)

RS Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
RS Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
RS Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
RS Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 2 (Flac format)

or:
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Note: Suites Pt. 1 link is a new link, which is hopefully more reliable

24 bit, 88.2Khz versions:
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 1 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 2 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 3 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 4 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 5 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Rimsky Suites, Francesca, Pt. 6 (24 bit Flac)

Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 1 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 2 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 3 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 4 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 5 (24 bit Flac)
Mediafire Link Scheherezade, Borodin, Pt. 6 (24 bit Flac)
Note: Pt. 4 of the above is a new link, as the 1st seems to have
been corrupt

Ernő Dohnányi. Solo recordings for Remington

These early Remington LP's of pianist/composer Ernő Dohnányi are not incredibly rare, but to find them in acceptable condition is very difficult. They only seem to turn up in the earliest of pressings, before Remington improved their techniques a few years later. Despite the absolutely mint copies from the collection of my friend Mike Gartz, these are still problematic records to reproduce, and without resorting to extreme measures, the noise level is higher than one would hope for LP's. But if some of you have copies like mine, which refuse to track and blast like crazy when they DO track, then you'll appreciate that, barring a release from the original tapes, this is very likely the best sound you will hear on these precious recordings.

Dohnányi's pupil Balint Vazsonyi states in the liner notes to an LP, that Dohnányi was no "recording artist". He only ventured into the recording studio sporadically, often to record his own works, and there are a few late, live recordings of works by other composers, and a few other souvenirs, such as the Mozart 17th Concerto he recorded in the 78 era (note: APR has issued a very nice 2 cd set of his solo studio recordings for HMV). Here is a discography of performances of his works, which includes a list of his own recordings as a performer.

It strikes me that in these later years, Dohnányi seems to have arrived at a point where he plays with no inhibitions as to his musical style. He feels the music in a free and florid manner, breaks the left hand before right more often than not, and "telescopes" certain rhythmic figurations, and makes no apologies for any of this. There are elements in his playing that remind one of Béla Bartók's performing style, in terms of phrasing and voicing, but to seek further similarities one must turn to the earlier recordings. Note: the Kinderszenen recording features Dohnányi's charming spoken announcements for the title of each work.

For more information about Remington, I heartily recommend Rudolf A. Bruil's wonderful site devoted to the label. Here is the main portal, or you can go directly to the Dohnányi page .


Beethoven: Sonata No. 17 in D Minor, Op. 31, No. 2
Haydn: Andante with Variations in F Minor, Hob.XVII:6
Beethoven: Andante favori, WoO 57
Remington RLP-199-16

Dohnányi: Four Rhapsodies, Op. 11
Schumann: Kinderszenen, Op. 15
Remington RLP-199-43

Ernő Dohnányi, Piano
Recorded c. 1950

Rapidshare Download Link (Haydn, Beethoven: Mp3)
Rapidshare Download Link (Dohnányi, Schumann: Mp3)

Rapidshare Link (Haydn, Beethoven: 16 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link (Dohnányi, Schumann: 16 bit Flac format)

Mediafire Link (Haydn, Beethoven: 16 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link (Dohnányi, Schumann: 16 bit Flac format)

(another try at above Dohnányi, Schumann if you had trouble with it)

Mediafire Link, Pt. 1 (Haydn, Beethoven: 24 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 2 (Haydn, Beethoven: 24 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 3 (Haydn, Beethoven: 24 bit Flac format)

Mediafire Link, Pt. 1 (Dohnányi, Schumann: 24 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 2 (Dohnányi, Schumann: 24 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 3 (Dohnányi, Schumann: 24 bit Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 4 (Dohnányi, Schumann: 24 bit Flac format)

Note: The contents of both LP's run to 80:44, which certain cdr burners will be able to burn in "overburn" mode, but as far as I know, this is not an option with Mac programs. A reminder that the 24bit/88.2 khz "hi-rez" versions will play from one's computer with various media players, but are not compatible with burning to "standard" 16 bit cd format.

Eugene Goossens in the 1920s. Hollywood Bowl Concert and Glazunov Scènes de Ballet

Despite the title of this RCA Victor album, these are studio recordings made over a period of 5 years (at least according to the discography that I have access to...perhaps someone has exact dates for this that they could pass on to me?). The recordings were made at the Hollywood Bowl itself, and here is a description from the 1930 Victor catalog:

The Orthophonic Victor records listed here were made under the identical conditions surrounding the regular performances of the Bowl Orchestra. That is to say, they were recorded out-of-doors--the first time this has been successfully accomplished with the symphony orchestra. You will note in the records a certain elusive romantic quality associated with scenes of natural beauty--a tribute indeed to the remarkable system which makes Orthophonic records possible."

The sound is rather dry, but fairly vivid, as are the performances, despite a few rough edges. After these sessions, Goossens did not record in the United States again until 1941 (the Walton Violin Concerto with Jascha Heifetz and the Cincinnati Symphony). Interestingly, he recorded the Balakirev Islamey (in London) again in 1930. The recorded sound is certainly rounder and more full-bodied in the series of London recordings Goossens made in the late 20s and early 30s, as you can hear in the Glazunov work. If you take a look at the booklet (in the included scans), you will notice that the Scènes de Ballet were presented slightly out of sequence, but this was done for maximizing the amount of music on each 78 rpm side, so I have tracked the movements in the original concert order. Thanks to Brian Bailey for the information from the Victor catalog, and also thanks to Mike Gartz for providing the wonderful "Z" shellac copies of these recordings!


Dvořák: Carnival, concert overture, Op. 92
De Falla: Ritual Fire Dance (from "El Amor brujo")
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique: 4. The March to the Scaffold
Balakirev (arr. Casella): Islamey
Tchaikovsky: Sleeping Beauty, Suite, Op. 66a:
I. La Fée Des Lilas - The Lily Nymph
II. Adagio - Pas d'Action
III. Pas de Caractère (Puss-in-Boots and the White Cat) - Panorama
IV. Valse
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Recorded 1925 (Balakirev), 1927 (Dvořák, Falla, Berlioz), 1929 (Tchaikovsky)
RCA Victor album M 40

Glazunov: Scènes de Ballet, Op.52
New Symphony Orchestra
Recorded June 3, 5 & 6, 1929
HMV C 1752/54 (RCA Victor album M 143)
Matr. CC 16650/55

Eugene Goossens, conductor

Rapidshare Download Link (Mp3)

Rapidshare Link, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 3 (Flac format)

or:
Mediafire Link, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 3 (Flac format)

Rapidshare Link, Pt. 1 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 2 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 3 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 4 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 5 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 6 (24 bit Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 7 (24 bit Flac format)

Note: Just a reminder, I did this transfer in 24 bit/88.2 khz resolution, and the 24 bit Flac version above will play through one's computer with various media players and the appropriate connection to one's audio system, but if you would just like to burn the best quality standard cd format, the regular (16 bit) Flac format is the best choice.

Ginette Doyen. Mendelssohn: Songs without Words (Westminster)

Sorry about the long break from new posts. My summer's travels didn't leave much time for working on recordings this time, but I DO have quite a few new items from my friend Mike Gartz' superb collection, and this is the first of them. As always, thanks to Mike for granting access to his collection, his enthusiasm for exploring the many rare nooks and crannies of recorded history, and his sage advice on the matters of optimal reproduction of vintage 78s and Lps!

I must admit I didn't know any of Ginette Doyen's work until recently, when the superb blog, Quartier des Archives featured three of her early 1950's Westminster recordings (see here). So when I saw her complete recording of the Mendelssohn Songs without Words in Mike's collection I jumped at the chance to dub these recordings! A beautiful tone, elastic phrasing, and economy of means characterize this essential version (and the first complete set) of these works. Add to that a rare ability to effortlessly highlight melodic lines through voicing (without ever poking or punching), and a never failing feeling of the gracefulness of the style, and you have something that really should not be missed! While lacking the uniquely potent individualism of Ignaz Friedman's essential 78 rpm set, Doyen holds her own against the rest of the competition.

For the first time, I've used a 24 bit/88.2 khz method of audio capture, and I'm offering a 24/88.2 Flac version, which some have requested. I'm not an expert in these technical matters, but have been advised that 88.2 khz works better when one converts back to 44.1 khz for cd-friendly versions, but I'm curious to hear feedback on this issue. In any case, I'm impressed with how much more this method captures of the nuances of recordings played back on high quality equipment.

Mendelssohn: Songs without Words (Complete)
Westminster WL 5192, 5246, 5279
Recorded 1952/53

Ginette Doyen, Piano

Rapidshare Download, Pt. 1 (Mp3)
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 2 (Mp3)

Rapidshare Download, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 3 (Flac format)

or:

Mediafire Download, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Mediafire Download, Pt. 2 (Flac format)
Mediafire Download, Pt. 3 (Flac format)

and, in 24 bit, 88.2 khz Flac format:
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 1
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 2
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 3
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 4
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 5
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 6
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 7
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 8
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 9
Rapidshare Download, Pt. 10

Note: The "standard" Flac (16 bit) version, although presented in 49 consecutive tracks, will fit on 2 cdrs. Also note that the back cover listings for Vol. 1 on the original lp has a completely incorrect track listing, listing 22 tracks. In fact side 1 has tracks 1-7, and side 2 has nos. 8-15.

Capitol/Telefunken 45 rpm sets. Keilberth & Schmidt-Isserstedt in works by Reger & Haydn

I didn't have room for this Reger work in my previous post devoted to his works, but here is Keilberth's beautiful recording of the Böcklin Suite, which to my ears makes the best case for this score on records, superior to the later Schmidt-Isserstedt (on Acanta) and Bongartz versions that I have heard. When this late work appeared (in 1913), many were surprised that Reger had written a programmatic work, since he had been quite vocal in his dismissal of the tone poems of Richard Strauss, preferring the realm of "absolute" music. In any case, I find it to be an evocative work which, a bit surprisingly, has brevity as a virtue as well. One of the paintings by Arnold Böcklin depicted in this suite, The Isle of the Dead, is the same work which Rachmaninoff based his much more widely known symphonic poem on.

These recordings were issued on 78 rpm by Telefunken, and later on Lp in their Capitol/Telefunken series, but I have used the 45 rpm issues for my transfers. The brief trend in the late 40s and early 50s, to issue classical music on 7" discs, corresponding to 78 rpm side lengths, did not catch on, but Capitol and RCA Victor issued quite a few titles in this format. RCA also briefly tried sides with somewhat extended running times, but the format war was decisively won by the long playing disc, at least in the classical realm. Despite some inconsistencies and shortcomings in Capitol's transfer process to these 45s, I feel they are superior to their Lp issues. Sonically, the original Telefunken 78s are better in many respects, but they are often VERY noisy, and since most of their masters were lost in a flood, it's nice to have these versions, which are probably dubbed from those now lost original masters. There is some unevenness to the sound, and it's very difficult to compensate for off center pressings on these discs, but I think the results are more than acceptable.

I mentioned Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt above, regarding his version of the Reger Suite, but this Haydn recording is from much earlier in his career, and is a very vital, colorful reading, beautifully played by the BPO. The Menuet, as often for the time, is hardly the indicated "Allegro molto", but the enthusiasm makes up for the heaviness. Sharp ears may catch at least one instance of the score being retouched, with an octave doubling being added to the violin part.


Haydn: Symphony No. 94 in G Major, "Surprise"
Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, Conductor
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Telefunken E 2864/66
Capitol/Telefunken 45 rpm set KCM 8021
Recorded February 9, 1939, Berlin (Singakademie)

Reger: Four Tone Poems after Arnold Böcklin, Op. 128
Joseph Keilberth, Conductor
German Philharmonic Orchestra of Prague
Telefunken SK 3464/66.
Capitol/Telefunken 45 rpm set KCM 8011
Recorded December 20 & 21, 1942, Prague

Rapidshare Download Link (Mp3)

Rapidshare Link, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Rapidshare Link, Pt. 2 (Flac format)

Mediafire Link, Pt. 1 (Flac format)
Mediafire Link, Pt. 2 (Flac format)

Max Reger on 78s. Polydor and Odeon recordings by Lehmann, Heger & De Groot

Initially, this compilation was to be the next installment of my Fritz Lehmann Odeon 78s collection, but I decided to make it an all Max Reger post. I don't believe any of these recordings have been reissued on cd.

I don't know Cor de Groot's discography very well, but I'd be curious to know what else he recorded in the 78 era, if anyone could help with that. The Vaterländische Ouvertüre is rarely performed, and carries some baggage with it, especially as this recording was made during the Second World War, and obviously fits a certain agenda for that time. Here is some background on it, from an article by Reinhold Brinkmann ("A "Last Giant in Music": Thoughts on Max Reger in the Twentieth Century" The Musical Quarterly 2004 87(4):631-659):

At the beginning of the war, Reger articulated anything but apocalyptic anti-war visions. In fact, his jingoism at the outbreak of World War I is shockingly naïve, in both his music and his correspondence. In 1914, Reger composed a Vaterländische Ouvertüre, which he dedicated "to the German army" and intended to be "as popular as possible" in design: it contained, embarrassingly certain of victory, an exaggerated combination of the three patriotic songs "Deutschland über alles," "Die Wacht am Rhein," and "Ich hab mich ergeben," as well as the chorale "Nun danket alle Gott," to be blasted by the trumpets and trombones of an off-stage orchestra. For a circular to be distributed to all German conductors, Reger claimed in a letter to the publisher Simrock that the overture "is especially timely at this point, and the combination of these four melodies in strongest fortissimo should be particularly emphasized."

Apparently, his nationalistic fervor DID abate to a large degree, as the war progressed, and Reger came to realize the horrors of the conflict.

Max Reger:
Sonatine in E Minor, Op. 89, No. 1
Odeon 0-8789/90
Cor de Groot, Piano

Scherzo from Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, Op. 146
Polydor 24796 (1929 rec.)
Phillip Dreisbach, Clarinet
Wendling String Quartet

Eine Romantische Suite, Op. 125
Odeon O-9136/39
Radio Sinfonieorchester, Brussels
Fritz Lehmann, Conductor

Eine Lustspiel Ouvertüre, Op. 120
Odeon O-9121
Orchester des Deutschen Opernhauses
Fritz Lehmann, Conductor

Eine vaterländische Ouvertüre, Op. 140
Polydor 59194/5 (1942 rec.)
Stadtisches Orchester, Berlin
Robert Heger, Conductor

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Rapidshare Link (Flac format, pt. 1)
Rapidshare Link (Flac format, pt. 2)

Mediafire Link (Flac format, pt. 1)
Mediafire Link (Flac format, pt. 2)

Note: thanks again to Mike Gartz for his rare source material, and also a first for me: for the Lehmann Lustspiel Ov. Mike provided me with a 24bit/88kHz dub, and I did all of my work in that domain, of course then down converting to 16 bit for use here. If there is interest, I could upload a 24bit Flac version, once I figure out exactly the best way to do that! Also, for some reason, I didn't make my usual notes of matrix numbers, so I'll have to add these later.

Alexander Goldenweiser. Grieg Lyric Pieces, Pt. 2

A few months ago I posted (see link) the first two Lps from Alexander Goldenweiser's recording, the first complete cycle, of the Grieg Lyric Pieces. These three Lps complete the series. I'm surprised that it has never been reissued as a set. There are some shortcomings in the mastering on the copies that were available to me of Lps 3 and 4, and some "ringing" distortion results, I'm afraid, but I don't feel it's enough to warrant holding back from offering the complete set.

Grieg; Lyric Pieces:

CD 2:
Op. 54 (composed 1889-91; published 1891):
No. 1, Gjætergut (Shepherd's boy)
No. 2, Gangar (Norwegian march)
No. 3, Troldtog (March of the trolls)
No. 4, Notturno
No. 5, Scherzo
No. 6, Klokkeklang (Bell ringing)

Op. 57 (composed 1890-3; published 1893):
No. 1, Svundne dager (Vanished days)
No. 2, Gade
No. 3, Illusion
No. 4, Geheimniss (Secret)
No. 5, Sie tanzt (She dances)
No. 6, Heimweh (Homesickness)

Op. 62 (composed 1893-5; published 1895):
No. 1, Sylfide (Sylph)
No. 2, Tak (Gratitude)
No. 3, Fransk serenade (French serenade)
No. 4, Bækken (Brooklet)
No. 5, Drommesyn (Phantom)
No. 6, Hjemad (Homeward)

CD 3:
Op. 65 (composed 1896; published 1897):
No. 1, Fra ungdomsdagene (From early years)
No. 2, Bondens sang (Peasant's song)
No. 3, Tungsind (Melancholy)
No. 4, Salon
No. 5, I balladetone (Ballad)
No. 6, Bryllupsdag på Troldhaugen (Wedding day at Troldhaugen)

Op. 68 (composed 1897-9; published 1899):
No. 1, Matrosernes opsang (Sailor's song)
No. 2, Bedstemors menuet (Grandmother's minuet)
No. 3, For dine fødder (At your feet)
No. 5, Bådnlåt (Cradle song)
No. 4, Aften på hojfjeldet (Evening in the mountains)
No. 6, Valse mélancolique

Op. 71 (composed and published 1901):
No. 1, Det var engang (Once upon a time)
No. 2, Sommeraften (Summer evening)
No. 3, Puck
No. 4, Skovstilhed (Peace of the woods)
No. 5, Halling
No. 6, Forbi (Gone)
No. 7, Efterklang (Remembrances)

Alexander Goldenweiser, Piano
Recorded early to middle 1950s

(from Melodiya D 3294/5, D 03296/7 & D 03308/9)

Note: Order of Op. 68 as in original Lp order.

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Rapidshare Download Link (Cd 3, Mp3)

Rapidshare Link (Cd 2, Pt. 1, Flac format)
Rapidshare Link (Cd 2, Pt. 2, Flac format)
Rapidshare Link (Cd 3, Pt. 1, Flac format)
Rapidshare Link (Cd 3, Pt. 2, Flac format)

Mediafire Link (Cd 2, Pt. 1, Flac format)
Mediafire Link (Cd 2, Pt. 2, Flac format)
Mediafire Link (Cd 3, Pt. 1, Flac format)
Mediafire Link (Cd 3, Pt. 2, Flac format)

Note: I've changed the actual track titles to remove non-standard characters (correctly listed above), which seem to have caused some problems playing tracks in Cd 1 from my previous post. If you had trouble with tracks 3 & 8 in that first volume, try retitling the files without these characters. Please leave me a "comment" if this doesn't solve the problem.