Serge Koussevitzky - Rare American Symphony Performances: Harris, Hill, Diamond (1943-1944) [2016] Hi-Res

Three previously unissued American symphonies - including two world premières

"Vivid performances in clear historic sound that captures the tragedy, up-beat excitement and sheer valour of the times in which they were performed"
- MusicWeb International

All three recordings on this release are truly historic documents, not only of the works and performances concerned, but of Serge Koussevitzky and the BSO's tremendous work in promoting and commissioning new works. Edward Burlingame Hill's Symphony No. 1 was premièred by Koussevitzky in 1928 (to be followed by two more symphonies) - this was its final BSO performance of nine.

The Harris and Diamond symphonies here are both premières (to be technically correct they had received their first performances the previous day in Friday matinee concerts, duplicated the evening after from which these recordings derived). Resurrecting these previously unheard acetate off-air recordings has been a monumental task, with numerous significant technical hurdles to be overcome, including massive pitch issues particularly with the Harris and Hill.

Surface noise was a constant and at times chronic problem, and unfortunately some peak distortion remains, particularly in the finale of the Diamond. The latter also required two minor patches to cover side changes, which I hope I have rendered undetectable. Cross-talk and other radio interference have been removed, though the frequency and dynamic limitations of AM radio remain.

That said, the finished result of my efforts will prove, I hope, entirely enjoyable. The Harris and Diamond symphonies may be familiar to some; however this appears to be the only known recording of Hill's Symphony No.1.

Andrew Rose



Tracks:

ROY HARRIS Symphony No. 5
EDWARD BURLINGAME HILL Symphony No. 1
DAVID DIAMOND Symphony No. 2

Personnel:

Serge Koussevitzky, conductor
Boston Symphony Orchestra