Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.)
Volume 3 of The Early Recordings is a welcome reminder that Furtwängler’s musical sympathies went beyond Beethoven, Brahms, Bruckner and Wagner, the composers with whom he is most closely associated.
The remake of the overture to Weber’s Der Freischütz (Furtwängler’s 1926 recording is available on Naxos 8111003) smoulders with anticipation, a real theatrical prelude. Invitation to the Dance is lovingly turned at the opening and close, with plenty of heady excitement in between.
Berlioz’s Hungarian (Rakoczy) March is nimble and athletic, remarkably ‘straight’ but thrilling in its own right. The account of the Overture to Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is notable for its translucent delicacy.
Producer and Audio Restoration engineer: Mark Obert-Thorn
Carl Maria von Weber: Der Freischutz, J. 277
Act I: Overture
Act III: Entr'acte
Carl Maria von Weber: Aufforderung zum Tanze (Invitation to the Dance), Op. 65, J. 260 (orch. Berlioz)
Aufforderung zum Tanze (Invitation to the Dance), Op. 65, J. 260 (arr. H. Berlioz for orchestra)
Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21: Overture
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 21: Overture
Felix Mendelssohn: The Hebrides, Op. 26, "Fingal's Cave"
The Hebrides, Op. 26, "Fingal's Cave"
Hector Berlioz: La damnation de Faust, Op. 24
La damnation de Faust, Op. 24: Part I Scene 3: Hungarian March, "Rakoczy March"
Felix Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream, Op. 61
Act II: Scherzo
Act III: Nocturne
Act V: Wedding March
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
Act I: Overture