Ataulfo Argenta - Espana (1957) [2012 SACD]

Most classical devotees know that Espana! features legendary Spanish conductor Ataulfo Argenta leading the London Symphony Orchestra in a program of so-called “Spanish” blockbusters. But, ironically, only one piece is penned by a Spanish composer (Granados, “Danza Espanola”) while the others are by a Russian (Rimsky Korsakov, “Capriccio Espagnol”), German (Moszkowski, “5 Spanish Dances”), and Frenchman (Chabrier, “Espaa”). The LP version was initially issued in the United States as one of the index recordings of London Records’ vaunted “blueback” series, known for its demonstration-quality sound.


Tracks:

1 España 6:26
Capriccio Espagnol Op. 34
2 Alborada 1:11
3 Variazioni 4:17
4 Alborada 1:13
5 Scena E Canto Gitano 4:43
6 Fandango Asturiano 3:10
7 Andaluza (Danza Espanola No. 5 In E Minor) 4:06
Spanish Dances, Book 1, Op.12
8 No. 1 In C Major 1:44
9 No. 2 In G Minor 4:09
10 No. 3 In A Major 2:46
11 No. 4 In B Flat Major 2:32
12 No. 5 In D Major 2:57
Images Pour Orchestre
13 1st Mov, Gigues 6:48
14 2nd Mov, Iberia: Par Les Rues Et Par Les Chemins, Les Parfums De La Nuit, Le Matin D'un Jour De Fête 17:54
15 3rd Mov, Rondes De Printemps 7:40

Personnel:

Conductor – Ataulfo Argenta

Orchestra – L'Orchestre De La Suisse Romande (tracks: 13 to 15)
Orchestra – London Symphony Orchestra