Bruno Walter - Walter conducts Brahms, Volume 3 (1941-52) [2017]

This final entry in the Walter conducts Brahms series features only one recording from the 1951 series around which it has been constructed, the previously unissued and stunning performance with Clifford Curzon of the Piano Concerto No. 1. The surviving source for this recording has suffered some mild deterioration over the last 66 years that can at times be heard, but never to the extent that it distracts from the performance - in this we have I hope largely achieved the wish of the New York Times correspondent who wished it "might have been transfixed and preserved immaculate for the generations" - if not quite immaculate, then pretty close to it. It's certainly a major addition to the Walter discography.


Tracks:

BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 1
BRAHMS Haydn Variations
BRAHMS Alto Rhapsody
BRAHMS Academic Festival Overture
BRAHMS Un Requiem Tedesco (A German Requiem, sung in Italian)

Personnel:

Bruno Walter, conductor
Clifford Curzon, piano
Enid Szantho, contralto
Rosanna Carteri, soprano
Boris Christoff, bass
Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra
Rome Symphony Orchestra & Chorus of RAI