Here's what appears to be a rather rare find - Eduard van Remoortel conducting the St Louis Symphony Orchestra in Prokofiev's Suite from the Love for Three Oranges and the Scythian Suite on Columbia.
Many of you might know Remoortel from his series of recordings for VOX made mostly in Bamberg and Vienna during the 50's and 60's. I recall a rather fine Grieg disc as well as a convincing Beethoven 7 from London. Anyway, Remoortel had a rather brief and painful stay in the States as music director of the St Louis SO during the late 50's and early 60's. Following the long, and well regarded tenure of Vladimir Golschmann and, being a very young man (not yet in his mid 30's), didn't help the situation. On top of that Remoortel was apparently unhappy with many musicians and he tried to fire a good number though with mixed results. Bottom line, on paper a failed effort and Remoortel would not hold another significant American appointment, guesting in Europe instead until his early death around the age of 50 in 1977.
Well...its not ALL negative! This is a fine recording by a very good, second tier orchestra. Golschmann had excelled in this repertoire and the STLSO was well prepared for these recordings. Remoortel's efforts are solid and I think this is a fine testament to his musicianship. To fill out a cd, I've included Golschmann conducting Chout of a few years earlier, that being a Capitol record. Enjoy!
LINK
