I have lots of multiple recordings of standard repertoire on the shelves, but the conductor I usually turn to is Bruno Walter. Solti, Bernard Haitink and Neville Marriner get more than their share of attention, as well.. A concert I saw with Herbie the K and the Berlin Phil is still the best live performance I've ever been to in any genre (sorry Mr. Springsteen), but when it comes to classical music I'm just a straight-ahead guy..
Who is your Favorite Historical Conductor?
For discussion purposes I am limiting this to
1) Wilhelm Furtwangler
2) Arturo Toscanini
3) Bruno Walter
feel free to introduce others. I will be arbitrary and cut off Conductors who worked after the death of Leonard Bernstein.
Furtwangler and Toscanini died just short of the onset of the stereo era. They were however recorded with the best technology of the times, and the work of restoration technology of today has done wonders. Walter recorded until 1962 but perhaps his best work was done in the mono era.
Walter was renowned for his “humanity” Furtwangler for his near mystical ability to rechannel German/Austrian music, and Toscanini for his finely chiseled intensity
Showing 3 responses by edcyn
@bdp24 Hey -- I love Sir Adrian. And Lenny is quickly rising up the charts for me, not the least because, via Qobuz & Idagio at least, his New York Phil recordings are sounding spacious, balanced and pretty wonderful.. |