Bizet: L'arlesienne
CD
RRP £13.05 historic list price — see live Amazon pricing below
- Composer
- Georges Bizet
- Performers
- Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, French National Radio Symphony Orchestra
- Label
- Warner Classics
- Barcode
- 9786313112005
Amazon.co.uk More long-cherished friends from the EMI archives, sounding fresher than ever in these latest digital remasterings. The two L'Arlesienne suites were set down at Abbey Road Studios during just one September day in 1956. They remain, quite simply, among the most treasurable examples of Thomas Beecham's inimitable art that we have (the disc would be worth acquiring for the indelible, achingly poignant "Adagietto" from the first suite alone). What seemingly boundless reserves of tender poetry, intimate delicacy and zestful swagger Sir Thomas lavishes on Bizet's evergreen music. An especial word of praise, too, for an unforgettably personable and charismatic contribution from the RPO's superb roster of woodwind principals. Glowing affection and tingling spontaneity are also hallmarks of the famous 1959 recording of the Symphony in C. True, the playing of the French National Radio Orchestra doesn't always match the RPO's in terms of poise, but Beecham's gloriously warm-hearted interpretation is an absolute joy from start to finish. As should be abundantly clear by now, this is a very special CD. --Andrew Achenbach Product Description Sir Thomas Beecham, born near Liverpool, has been described as “the best conductor of French music the French never had”. His recording of Carmen remains a point of reference, and this programme of orchestral works by Bizet exemplifies his elegance and panache. Beecham conducts both the orchestra he founded in 1946, the Royal Philharmonic,
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