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Sir Thomas Beecham: The Later Tradition

Alexander Young (tenor), Walter Midgley (tenor), John Kennedy (cello), Paul Tortelier (cello), Leonard Rubens (viola), Oscar Lampe (violin), Steven Staryk (violin), Jennifer Vyvyan (soprano), Monica Sinclair (contralto), Richard Lewis (tenor), Marian Nowakowski (bass)

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra,...

The finesse of the detail, the fierce attack, individual flair, corporate precision, blazing warmth: the sum total is playing of tangible personality and, often, ineffable beauty...Listen to... — The Times, 18th February 2011, 5 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 7th Feb 2011
Catalogue No: 9186112
Label: Warner Classics
Series: Sir Thomas Beecham Edition
Length: 9 hours 12 minutes

Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36

Work length32:09

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1957-03-28
Recording Venue: 9 & 14 May, 17 September 1956 & 19-21, 28 March 1957 / Kingsway Hall, London

I. Adagio - Allegro con brio

Track length8:50

$1.30

$1.70

II. Larghetto

Track length12:36

Album only

III. Scherzo (Allegro)

Track length4:07

$1.30

$1.70

IV. Allegro molto

Track length6:36

$1.30

$1.70

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92

Work length35:41

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1959-07-16
Recording Venue: 20, 22 & 31 October 1958 / Kingsway Hall, London; 29 April & 14-16 July 1959 / No.1 Studio, Abbey Road

I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace

Track length10:47

Album only

II. Allegretto

Track length9:49

$1.30

$1.70

III. Scherzo (Presto)

Track length8:13

$1.30

$1.70

IV. Allegro con brio

Track length6:52

$1.30

$1.70

Beethoven: Mass in C major, Op. 86

Work length43:07

Album only

Jennifer Vyvyan (soprano), Marian Nowakowski (bass), Monica Sinclair (contralto), Richard Lewis (tenor)
Beecham Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1992-12-31

I. Kyrie

Track length5:27

$1.30

$1.70

II. Gloria

Track length9:33

$1.30

$1.70

III. Credo

Track length11:45

Album only

IV. Sanctus

Track length3:03

$1.30

$1.70

V. Benedictus

Track length7:01

$1.30

$1.70

VI. Agnus Dei

Track length6:18

$1.30

$1.70

Beethoven: The Ruins of Athens - Incidental Music Op. 113 (1989 Digital Remaster)

Work length21:30

$7.80

$10.20

Beecham Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1957-03-29
Recording Venue: 29 March 1957 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Overture (Andante con moto - Allegro, ma non troppo)

Track length4:20

$1.30

$1.70

Chorus: Daughters of high-throned Zeus

Track length3:47

$1.30

$1.70

Chorus of Dervishes

Track length2:37

$1.30

$1.70

Turkish March

Track length1:49

$1.30

$1.70

Chorus: Where freedom hath triumphed

Track length3:06

$1.30

$1.70

March & Chorus: Twine ye garlands

Track length5:51

$1.30

$1.70

Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

Work length38:01

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1959-11-19
Recording Venue: 28 November, 1 & 5 December 1958; 7 & 8 May, 14 July & 19 November 1959 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

I. Allegro non troppo

Track length14:17

Album only

II. Adagio non troppo

Track length9:03

$1.30

$1.70

III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi andantino) - Presto, ma non assai

Track length5:47

$1.30

$1.70

IV. Allegro con spirito

Track length8:54

$1.30

$1.70

Brahms: Schicksalslied, Op. 54

Work length15:00

Album only

Beecham Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Denis Vaughan, Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1956-11-30
Recording Venue: 13 May & 30 November 1956 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Brahms: Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80

Work length10:31

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1956-11-29
Recording Venue: 10/29 November 1956, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road

Liszt: A Faust Symphony, S108

Work length1:09:57

Album only

Alexander Young (tenor)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Beecham Choral Society
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1987-01-01
Recording Venue: 15,16 & 23 April & 31 October 1958, Kingsway Hall, London

I. Faust (Lento assai - Allegro impetuoso - Allegro agitato ed appassionato assai)

Track length26:55

Album only

II. Gretchen (Andante soave)

Track length20:39

Album only

III. Mephistopheles (Words by Goethe: Allegro vivace ironico - Andante mistico [Apotheosis])

Track length22:23

Album only

Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream Opp. 21 and 61 (1961 Digital Remaster): Overture, Op. 21

Work length12:00

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1958-11-07
Recording Venue: 6 & 7 November 1958, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Mendelssohn: The Fair Melusine Overture, Op. 32

Work length10:08

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1958-11-06
Recording Venue: 6 November 1958, No.1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Liszt: Orpheus, symphonic poem No. 4, S98

Work length10:59

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1958-07-23
Recording Venue: 23 April 1958 / Kingsway Hall, London

Liszt: Psalm XIII S13 (2005 - Remaster)

Work length25:02

$5.20

$6.80

Walter Midgley (tenor)
Beecham Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1955-12-17
Recording Venue: 17 & 18 December 1955 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Lord, how long / Herr wir lange (Andante maestoso)

Track length8:17

$1.30

$1.70

Look on me / Schaue doch (Andante mosso)

Track length4:17

$1.30

$1.70

But I have trusted / Ich aber hoffe (Allegro moderato, ma non troppo)

Track length6:34

$1.30

$1.70

I will to God / Ich wil dem Herrn (Allegro energico)

Track length5:54

$1.30

$1.70

Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Vorspiel (Prelude), 1.Aufzug

Work length9:02

$1.30

$1.70

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1959-11-04
Recording Venue: 4 November 1959 / BBC Studio No. 1, Maida Vale, London

Suppe: Dichter und Bauer (1957 Digital Remaster): Overture

Work length10:32

Album only

John Kennedy (cello)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1957-03-26
Recording Venue: 26 March 1957 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Schubert: Symphony No. 3 in D major, D200

Work length23:35

$5.20

$6.80

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1998-09-15
Recording Venue: 12 May 1958: Salle Wagram, Paris, & 22 May 1958/2 May 1959 Studio No. 1, Abbey Road

First movement: Adagio maestoso - Allegro con brio

Track length7:38

$1.30

$1.70

Second movement: Allegretto

Track length5:08

$1.30

$1.70

Third movement: Menuetto (Vivace) & Trio

Track length5:21

$1.30

$1.70

Fourth movement: Presto vivace

Track length5:28

$1.30

$1.70

Schubert: Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, D485

Work length25:51

$5.20

$6.80

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1998-09-15
Recording Venue: 14 & 16 May 1958 / Salle Wagram, Paris; 18 December 1958 & 7 May 1959, No. 1 Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London

I. Allegro

Track length5:48

$1.30

$1.70

II. Andante con moto

Track length8:51

$1.30

$1.70

III. Menuetto (Allegro molto) & Trio

Track length5:16

$1.30

$1.70

IV. Allegro vivace

Track length5:56

$1.30

$1.70

Schubert: Symphony No. 6 in C major, D589

Work length29:21

Album only

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1998-09-15
Recording Venue: 25-26 November & 15 December 1955, Studio No. 1, Abbey Road

First movement: Adagio - Allegretto

Track length7:43

$1.30

$1.70

Second movement: Andante

Track length6:48

$1.30

$1.70

Third movement: Scherzo (Presto) & Trio

Track length4:39

$1.30

$1.70

Fourth movement: Allegro moderato

Track length10:11

Album only

Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35

Work length39:41

$16.90

$22.10

Leonard Rubens (viola), Oscar Lampe (violin), Paul Tortelier (cello)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1948-03-20
Recording Venue: 4, 7 & 8 October and 20 March 1948. No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Introduktion : Mäßiges Zeitmaß

Track length6:20

$1.30

$1.70

Thema: Mäßig - The Knight of the Mournful Countenance

Track length2:01

$1.30

$1.70

Variation I: Gemächlich - The adventure of the windmills

Track length2:30

$1.30

$1.70

Variation II: Kriegerisch - The battle with the sheep

Track length1:36

$1.30

$1.70

Variation III: Mäßiges Zeitmaß - Dialogue of Knight and Squire

Track length7:41

$1.30

$1.70

Variation IV: Etwas breiter - The adventure with the procession of penitents

Track length2:00

$1.30

$1.70

Variation V: Sehr langsam - Don Quixote's vigil

Track length4:06

$1.30

$1.70

Variation VI: Schnell - Dulcinea's enchantment

Track length1:05

$1.30

$1.70

Variation VII: Ein wenig ruhiger als vorher - The ride through the air

Track length0:59

$1.30

$1.70

Variation VIII: Gamächlich - The adventure of the enchanted boat

Track length1:37

$1.30

$1.70

Variation IX: Schnell und stürmisch - The battle with the enchanters

Track length1:08

$1.30

$1.70

Variation X: Viel breiter - Don Quixote's defeat and journey home

Track length3:52

$1.30

$1.70

Finale: Sehr ruhig - The death of Don Quixote

Track length4:46

$1.30

$1.70

Strauss, R: Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, Op. 60

Work length26:33

$9.10

$11.90

Eric Harrison (piano), Oscar Lampe (violin)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1948-03-20
Recording Venue: 23-24 February, 24 & 29 March, 15 October, 5 & 6 November 1947; 20 March 1948 / No. 1 Studio, Abbey Road, London

Overtüre (Overture, Act 1)

Track length3:56

$1.30

$1.70

Menuett

Track length1:23

$1.30

$1.70

Der Fechmeister (The Fencing Master)

Track length1:39

$1.30

$1.70

Auftritt und Tanz der Schneider (Entrance and Dance of Tailors)

Track length4:32

$1.30

$1.70

Das Menuett des Lully (Minuet of Lully)

Track length2:02

$1.30

$1.70

Intermezzo (Prelude to Act II)

Track length3:05

$1.30

$1.70

Das Diner (The Dinner)

Track length9:56

$1.30

$1.70

Strauss, R: Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40

Work length43:05

Album only

Steven Staryk (violin)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1958-04-22
Recording Venue: 17 & 22 April 1958. Kingsway Hall, London

Der Held (The Hero)

Track length4:03

$1.30

$1.70

Des Helden Widersacher (His Adversaries)

Track length2:46

$1.30

$1.70

Des Helden Gefährtin (His Companion)

Track length13:00

Album only

Des Helden Walstatt (His Battlefield)

Track length8:14

$1.30

$1.70

Des Helden Friedenswerke (His Peaceful Labours)

Track length4:38

$1.30

$1.70

Des Helden Weltflucht und Vollendung (His Retirement and Life's Fulfilment)

Track length4:01

$1.30

$1.70

Entsagung (Renunciation)

Track length6:23

$1.30

$1.70

Strauss, R: Feuersnot: Love Scene

Work length8:01

$1.30

$1.70

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1947-04-11
Recording Venue: 11 April 1947. No.1 Abbey Road Studios, London.

Strauss, R: Intermezzo, Op. 72: Entr'acte in A flat

Work length5:44

$1.30

$1.70

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1947-10-15
Recording Venue: 10 October 1947. No.1 Abbey Road Studios, London.

Strauss, R: Salome: Dance of the Seven Veils

Work length8:45

$1.30

$1.70

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Thomas Beecham
Recorded: 1947-09-19
Recording Venue: 19 September 1947. No.1 Abbey Road Studios, London.

About
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About

There can be few, if any, musicians who have singlehandedly done so much in the establishment of resources for musical performance than Sir Thomas Beecham.

During WWI he conducted and supported financially both the Hallé and London Symphony Orchestras and the Royal Philharmonic Society. In 1915 he formed the Beecham Opera Company which trained many young British singers in this field. Eight years later this became the British National Opera Company and was absorbed into Covent Garden in 1932 when Beecham returned to be its Musical Director.

To quote David Cairns “We are nationally and individually a more musically aware people because of him and what he gave us”. A forceful statement, true, but whose life could ever challenge it?

Dissatisfied by conditions and practices, notably the supply of deputies for rehearsals, prevalent in British orchestras, he formed the London Philharmonic Orchestra that same year. Beecham was now able to be at the fulcrum of all developments in music in Britain. WWII put an end to this halcyon period. With Covent Garden shut he travelled, primarily in America, and did not return to Britain until 1944. The London Philharmonic had now become a self-governing body so Beecham, then aged 67, launched the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. This was the orchestra with which he committed to disc so many classic recordings with which EMI Classics marks the 50th anniversary of his passing.

It is true that Beecham had particular favourites in composers – Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Berlioz, Bizet and Puccini spring immediately to mind; also his love for Handel – even though his performances were always BIG-scale! He was an early champion of Richard Strauss and became a most effective exponent of Sibelius. His name will always be inextricably linked with that of Delius whose music Beecham seemed to know better even than the composer and it is appropriate that they are buried not far apart in the graveyard at St. Peter’s Parish Church, Limpsfield, Surrey.

He was knighted in 1916, the year he succeeded to his father’s baronetcy, and made a Companion of Honour in 1957.This affable, brilliant, usually charming, ever-communicative, quick-witted – even, at times, to the point of cruelty, dedicated conductor was also the most gifted executive musician England has ever produced.

He was fortunate that his grandfather, a chemist, had created the highly successful pharmaceutical manufacturing business which bore his name. His father, who had started in the company whilst still a teenager, was also fond of music so he was prepared to fund his son’s enthusiastic appetite to attend operas and concerts both here and abroad.

Born on 29th April 1879 in St. Helens, he attended public school at Rossall where his talent at the piano became a legend (the only boy ever to have been allowed a grand piano in his study!). From there he briefly attended Oxford (Wadham) but the composition classes, with Charles Wood in London and Moszkowski in Paris, were funded privately. As a conductor he was purely self-taught.

He formed an orchestra in his home town and deputised for Richter at a Hallé concert when his father was mayor. His career path was clear: he would use his financial resources to support the art which he enjoyed with the aim of bringing it to as many as possible.

At the age of 30 he launched the Beecham Symphony Orchestra, all young and carefully chosen. They would tour, play for opera and ballet and give concerts of adventurous music. London duly welcomed him for a season of intensive opera performances and over the next three years introduced many new ones to British audiences, including by Strauss, Delius and the Russians. He also brought Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes starring Nijinsky and Karsavina to the British stage.

Artists

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Beecham Choral Society, Sir Thomas Beecham

Reviews

18th February 2011

The finesse of the detail, the fierce attack, individual flair, corporate precision, blazing warmth: the sum total is playing of tangible personality and, often, ineffable beauty...Listen to the Royal Philharmonic principals dancing through Strauss’s Bourgeois Gentilhomme...you’ll go weak at the knees.

Sir Thomas Beecham: The Later Tradition

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