10 June 1939 [sic], Carnegie Hall: Sir Adrian Boult conducts the New York Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra. NB, actually June 9, reports the Philharmonic’s archive:
“Conductors
- Goossens, Leon / Oboe
Works
- Smetana / The Bartered Bride
- Overture (“Overture to a Comedy”)
- Bax / Symphony No. 7 in A-flat major
- Intermission
- Goossens / Concerto, Oboe, in One Movement, Op. 45
- Debussy / Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune (Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun)
- Bach / Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 906 (Elgar, Sir Edward)
Dates / Event Types / Venues
- Jun 9, 1939 / 8:45PM / World’s Fair / Carnegie Hall / Manhattan, NY
Notes
GREAT BRITAIN CONCERT/NEW YORK WORLD’S FAIR FOREIGN CONCERTS SERIES
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL”
What a find! Does anyone know the provenance of this recording? Perfectly decent sound for the date. Boult’s in fiery form. I wonder if the subsequent outings in the UK were as powerfully conducted and as well-played as this. The audience is gratifyingly quiet too. A shame we’re denied the applause. Was it enthusiastic with cheering, or nonplussed/half-hearted, I wonder?…
Lewis Foreman in his monograph (Boydell, 3rd edition, 2007 p 352), confirming 9 June premiere, relates: “Sir Adrian Boult’s first performance in New York was recorded on acetate discs at the time and they were sent to Bax. He said he found the tempi in the first movement ‘exactly right’ and the third movement ‘ perfect,’ although he added ‘the third movement should start more deliberately – a real 18FORTY romantic wallow.’
Wonderful find