César Franck: Monteux; Igor Stravinsky: Pétrouchka

Cesar Franck (Composer), Igor Stravinsky (Composer), Pierre Monteux (Conductor), Boston Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Chicago Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Bernard Zighera (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Bernard Zighera
• Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Pierre Monteux
• Composer: Cesar Franck, Igor Stravinsky
• Audio CD (March 9, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B00000I9M3
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,837 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the great recordings, May 28, 2000

By 

kreisleriana16 (Minneapolis, MN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: César Franck: Monteux; Igor Stravinsky: Pétrouchka (Audio CD)

What a pity that the name Pierre Monteux has been all but forgotten by so many save those such as myself who had a chance to witness him at work as well as purchase his recordings. Hopefully those who have not had a chance or are not aware of this great conductor will have a chance to become familiar with his artistry.

Monteux's career went back to the early 20th century. His earliest claim was the controversial premier of Stravinsky's "La Sacre du Printemps" in 1913 in Paris which is well documented. Even now, almost 90 years later, that performance is still legendary.

Monteux was not limited to music of the French repetoire. His Beethoven was outstanding including a never released live recording of his 85th birthday concert with the Boston Symphony of the 9th Symphony. A pity. It was quite a birthday present from the BSO for the conductor!

The Franck was recorded around 1961 and remains as one of the definitive performances of this symphony. It was also before the time (1963) when Chicago's orchestra hall was remodeled and ruined its superlative recording accoustics. RCA's engineers were able to take full advantage of the hall's recoding capabilities. (Oddly enough while the hall had great recording accoustics it was rather poor for the general audiances. One of the best places to sit during a concert was in the first couple of rows in the gallery. Playing on stage during a rehearsal also presented accoustical problems as well for the musicians).

There is not too much in the way of superlatives that can be added to those all ready heaped upon this recording. Monteux was able to take advantage of the CSO's then world class brass section which really shines in full force. This was still in those golden Reiner years when the CSO was at its peak. He does not over-do some of the sections - a problem that some conductors have with this work.

For those who have not discovered "papa" Monteux, this is an excellent chance to do so. He was well loved by those who came to hear him as well as those who played under him. If you are satisfied with the Franck - and there is no reason why you shouldn't be - explore some of his other recordings including Stravinsky, Beethoven, Haydn and the French masters. You won't go wrong!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars [e-mail], December 21, 1999

By 

Anonymous (California USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: César Franck: Monteux; Igor Stravinsky: Pétrouchka (Audio CD)

This CD is something special. The Franck has been famous ever since it was recorded 40 years ago. The recording is still amazing (although the loudest brass passages sound a bit garish), and Monteux's interpretation is full of joy.

Petrushka is still better. Monteux plays the fuller 1911 version of the score. He had conducted the premiere, and all that experience pays off here. You really feel all Petrushka's emotions in this performance. You won't find a better bargain than this.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Recording, February 28, 2002

By 

D. A Wend (Arlington Heights, IL USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: César Franck: Monteux; Igor Stravinsky: Pétrouchka (Audio CD)

This is a nice disc of two heavily recorded favorite pieces. Pierre Monteux, through his long association with this music, has an authority that is justified here. The Frank Symphony is rousing. The CSO performs the music flawlessly. I had not heard it for some time and it was great to make its acquaintance again. This recording of Petrouchka uses the 1911 score, which may take some listeners by surprise since the drum rolls between the scenes are absent. The ballet is beautifully recorded and Pierre Monteux and the Boston Symphony are in top form. It is interesting to know that the conductor, who premiered this work, never ceased making small tempo changes here and there, always trying to give a different presentation of the ballet.

This disc is part of the remastered Living Stereo series and has transferred remarkably well. Even if you have other recordings of these works, these should be part of your collection.