An monaural Epic lp, from around 1960 I think, of Antal Dorati conducting the then newly formed Philharmonia Hungarica. The program features Bartok's Divertimento for String Orchestra and Weiner's Suite Op 18 on Hungarian Folk Dances.
Bartok's Divertimento has been well served on record and Dorati himself made at least 3 recordings of the piece; I think one of his first records in Minneapolis featured the Divertimento. Weiner, unfortunately, has fared less well though Dorati and Fritz Reiner were among a small group of conductors who would feature their fellow Hungarian's output from time to time. It's too bad because it is good music and can stand alongside Kodaly, Dohnanyi and Bartok. Dorati, of course, achieves the desired result with his band of mostly exiled Hungarian musicians. The orchestra itself had as its nucleus, Hungarian who had fled Hungary after the failed 1956 uprising. The orchestra lived a distinguished 35 year existence ultimately disbanding after the iron curtain fell.
Antal Dorati does not get the kind of credit he deserves as an orchestra building. Along with Artur Rodzinski, in his prime, he was viewed as a conductor who could achieve quick and sustainable results. His efforts in Minneapolis, London, Washington and Detroit all offer proof of a thoughtful and meticulous musical mind. And, lending his name to the Philharmonia Hungarica ensured success to that ensemble during its fledgling years.
A nice record of music that Dorati could not disappoint in.
DOWNLOAD
