Gil from Arizona, one of my most faithful readers and throughtful commentators, requested this upload. Charles Munch and the BSO excelling in the heart of the French repertoire. Featuring soloist Nicole Henriot-Schweitzer, the works presented are d'Indy's Symphony on a French Mountain Air and Ravel's Concerto in G. Released in 1959, my copy is the monaural version though the Living Stereo issue is out there and if I find it, I will upload it.
I must admit that under "normal" circumstances, neither work thoroughly engages me. However, with Munch at the helm in a French work, a new level of engagement unfolds for me. Unlike Paray or Monteux, who disliked heartily being pegged as French music specialists, Munch rather embraced the notion and for many people, he was synonymous with French music and culture. However, we must not forget that he had strong German ties and, that during the war years, evidence has been uncovered that he cooperated with the Vichy government and its pro German sympathies. I suppose Munch wanted to put much of that behind him after the war and therefore, became a great champion for all things French during the 50's and 60's. Interesting stuff and I suppose more will be released on the subject in the years to come.
Back to the music; these are as fine performances as one will have though Nicole Henriot-Schweitzer, though a solid artist, is not, in my opinion, a front rank keyboard artist. But with Munch collaborating in music that he championed, even a middling conservatory student could come away sounding like a bona fide virtuoso. Per usual, the BSO plays this fare to the manner born as Munch could whip up a level of excitement and engagement that few others could.
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