London Philharmonic Orchestra (Concertos & Symphony 7)
Philharmonia Orchestra
Recorded 1961-77; Remastered in 192kHz/24-bit from original tapes by Art & Son Studio, Annecy;
Remastered for SACD by Studio Circé
Big, serious, heartfelt, emotional fire, lyrical beauty, soulful depth, this is Giulini digging into this wonderful music, for compelling/inspiring listening aided by superb remastering/full, rich and vivid sound enhancing the rapport between the conductor and the two London orchestras. The Philharmonia ‘New World’ is one of the great recordings of this perennial favourite, including an exceptional cor anglais solo in the Largo, itself rapt.
Only the Cello Concerto issues a few doubts, the first movement somewhat heavy-weathered, although Rostropovich (distinguishing one of his several versions of this work) takes it spontaneously to a higher level of communication, and the adorable Saint-Saëns is just fine, an insouciant bonus. https://www.discogs.com/release/4499428-Rostropovitch-Giulini-Dvo%C5%99%C3%A1k-Saint-Sa%C3%ABns-London-Philharmonic-Orchestra-Cello-Concerto-Cello-Conce/image/SW1hZ2U6ODk4NDg5NQ==?srsltid=AfmBOoo1l3ofwCJ10sNeclwPJmhjelB6yhMbRu1sT6PlbQRFXdzQGVeU
Few words from me for it’s simple: these are indispensable performances sounding marvellous. Oh, Carnival Overture (sharing with the ‘New World’ on first issue, https://www.discogs.com/release/7686089-Giulini-Conducts-Dvorak-Philharmonia-Orchestra-New-World-Symphony-And-Overture-Carnaval/image/SW1hZ2U6MjA1Nzc3NzQ=?srsltid=AfmBOoqheiExspVbujCeMfFBwjOvP507OPvo_m6Co7izL9cE9eOaioYx), and Scherzo capriccioso are also included, the former superlative, leaping off the page, the latter not far behind, capricious indeed, graceful, subtly nuanced, Giulini always alert to a curvaceous phrase. Warner Classics 2173276722 (4 SACDs).
Giulini had previously recorded this work with Janos Starker, also (now) Warner.
Sept 1957, Kingsway Hall, London.