Sir Thomas Beecham works his magic in Goldmark

An absolutely fantastic record here today! In fact, one of the very best recordings that I have heard in quite a while. Sir Thomas Beecham conducts the RPO in this 1952 lp of Karl Goldmark's delightful "Rustic Wedding" Symphony.

Nobody could coax magic out of the byways of music like Beecham. When he was so inspired, the results were that second tier music sounded vital, impressively important and downright magical. Such is the case here with the Goldmark. This is delightful music, in the spirit of Brahms and Dvorak, but without that extra bit of "zip" found in those composer's best works. That said, the Rustic wedding Symphony contains much beauty, singing string lines and hearty wind parts. Beecham revels in this score, capturing the rustic spirit of the proceedings while ensuring that his principals have their absolute best way with their scores. This record has never been equalled and probably never will because the genius and gifts of Beecham, quite honestly, were unique, irreplaceable and once in a lifetime.  A treasure here for sure!

As a filler, I have included a Camden record of Brahms' second symphony. This lp features the only recording by the "Claridge Symphony Orchestra." there has been debate on who this ensemble really is - some say Fritz Busch and the DRSO and others say Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra. I'll leave it up to you to decide. My opinion is probably Ormandy because the strings are quite creamy here.


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Sir Thomas Beecham conducts Schubert with the RPO

Friday night, beautiful weather, glass of wine on the porch, and Thomas Beecham in Schubert. Fits like a glove!

I've always admired Beecham for his way of getting lesser music to jump off of the page and take hold of the listener, all in the very best of taste. Here are Schubert's first two symphonies, teenage works yet full of mature ideas and pleasing melodies. Only a Beecham can transform juvenilia into something worthy of a more seasoned artist; how he does this remains a mystery to me. As with all Schubert - Beecham recordings, this is indeed indispensible and his presentation will charm and delight you. Beecham had that quality...je ne sais quoi...yes, what can I say?

Recordings date from the early 50's.

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