Introduction
The 9th release of the Ultimate SA-CD Hybrid Collection
The New York Philharmonic's missing link between Walter and Bernstein - a release celebrating the 125th anniversary of the birth of "Greek philosopher" Mitropoulos.
Dimitri Mitropoulos (1896-1960) was a Greek-born conductor who made his name known around the world in the mid-20th century. To commemorate his 125th birthday, this collection brings together three SA-CD hybrid discs of Mitropoulos's stereo recordings of orchestral works with the New York Philharmonic from 1957-58 (the equivalent of five original LPs).
During his time with the New York Philharmonic, Mitropoulos's incorporation of Mahler's symphonies and masterpieces of the Second Viennese School and 20th-century music into the orchestra's repertoire provided a powerful stimulus to the orchestra. Despite fierce criticism from the conservative media, he silently pursued his ideals, literally embodying the essence of his solitary existence.
These performances, recorded during the transition period to his successor Bernstein, capture Mitropoulos's fierce and rigorous musical approach with clear stereo technology. These masterpieces represent the culmination of his series of Columbia recordings, which began in 1940. [Limited Edition] 3-CD set, SA-CD hybrid (SA-CD layer is 2-channel), 2021 DSD remaster, multi-case packaging
[Track List]
DISC 1
Berlioz
Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14
[Recorded] February 24, 1957, Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York
Vaughan Williams
Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis
[Recorded] March 3, 1958, New York
Hotel St. George Ballroom, Brooklyn
DISC 2
Tchaikovsky
Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74 "Pathétique"
[Recorded] November 11, 1957, New York
Hotel St. George Ballroom, Brooklyn
Slavonic March, Op. 31
[Recorded] November 11, 1957, New York
Hotel St. George Ballroom, Brooklyn
Mussorgsky
7 Symphonic Poem "Night on Bare Mountain" [arranged by Rimsky-Korsakov]
[Recorded] November 11, 1957, New York
Brooklyn, Hotel St. George, Ballroom
Tchaikovsky
6 Italian Capriccio, Op. 45
[Recorded] April 22, 1957, New York, Columbia 30th Street Studio
DISC 3
Prokofiev
Ballet "Romeo and Juliet," Op. 64 (Excerpts)
1 The Montagues and Capulets (Suite II, No. 1)
2 Juliet (Suite II, No. 2)
3 Folk Dance (Suite I, No. 1)
4 Masquerade Ball - Romeo and Mercutio (Suite I, No. 5)
5 Balcony Scene (Suite I, No. 6)
6 The Death of Tybalt (Suite I, No. 7)
7 Romeo and Juliet Before the Separation (Suite No. 5, No. 2)
8. Friar Lawrence (Suite No. 3, No. 2)
9. Romeo at Juliet's Tomb (Suite No. 7, No. 2)
[Recorded] November 11, 1957, New York
Brooklyn, Hotel St. George Ballroom
Schoenberg
10. Blessed Night, Op. 4 [String Orchestra Version]
[Recorded] March 3, 1958, New York
Brooklyn, Hotel St. George Ballroom
New York Philharmonic
[Conductor] Dimitri Mitropoulos
[Producers] David Oppenheim (Berlioz),
Howard H. Scott (Mussorgsky, Prokofiev),
John McClure (Vaughan Williams, Schoenberg), and others
*Available while supplies last.
Media Reviews and More
The New York Philharmonic's missing link between Walter and Bernstein: "The Greek Philosopher" commemorating the 125th anniversary of Mitropoulos's birth. Dimitri Mitropoulos (1896-1960) was a Greek-born conductor who made his name known around the world in the mid-20th century. To commemorate his 125th birthday, this release compiles the stereo recordings (equivalent to five original LPs) of Mitropoulos' orchestral works with the New York Philharmonic from 1957-58 on three SA-CD hybrid discs. (C)RS