Furtwängler - The Early Recordings Volume 1
Bach, J S: | Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV1048 Recorded in 1930 Air (from Orchestral Suite No. 3, BWV1068 'Air on a G String') Recorded 13th June, 1929 | Mozart: | Le nozze di Figaro, K492 - Overture Recorded November, 1933 Overture from Serenade No. 13 in G major, K525 'Eine kleine Nachtmusik' Recorded 28th December, 1936 and June, 1937 Die Zauberflöte, K620 Overture Recorded 1930 | Schubert: | Incidental music to Rosamunde, D797 Recorded 13th June, 1929 Rosamunde, D797: Ballet Music No. 2 Recorded 13th June, 1929 |
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Wilhelm Furtwängler Volume 1 of this new Naxos edition of Wilhelm Furtwängler’s pre-1940s recordings includes an account of J.S. Bach’s third Brandenburg Concerto that is lightyears away from the ‘historically informed’ norm of today, yet eloquent, deeply-felt and with a real sense of light and shade.
The two Mozart opera overtures are typically dramatic and intense, while in the ever-popular Eine kleine Nachtmusik Furtwängler caresses the melodies, allowing rhythms to stand proud and making effective use of dynamic contrasts.
The Overture to Schubert’s Rosamunde is especially weighty in Furtwängler’s hands, while the B flat Entr’acte is tender and warmly expressed, and the G major Ballet Music puckish and witty. “…a fine performance, utterly characteristic in its power and malleability, and essential listening for anyone interested in this supremely great conductor.” Gramophone on Furtwängler “Furtwängler's Bach may occasion some strokes, but his Mozart and Schubert, recorded in 1929-37, sing and dance with irresistible élan, and the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is gorgeous.” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2008 ***** |
