Beethoven Symphony No.4
Mozart Symphony No.33
Mendelssohn Scherzo

New York Philharmonic Orchestra
John Barbirolli (conductor)
Recorded �live' in 1936

These performances by the Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra of New York conducted by John Barbirolli are off-air recordings made during his first and second seasons as the orchestra's principal conductor and music director in succession to Arturo Toscanini.

The earliest of the four performances on this disc (29 November 1936) is Mozart's 33rd Symphony. Almost certainly a rarity for New York audiences at that date and not that much better known today! Listening to this delightful performance is natural to wonder why this work is not better known.

In his New York concert a fortnight later Barbirolli conducted one of the marvels of music, written by a man of barely 21, the scherzo from Mendelssohn's Octet op.20. Here Barbirolli conducts a version, transcribed for strings, which manages to encapsulate the quicksilver spirit of the octet.

In his concert on 13 December 1936 Barbirolli conducted what is still perhaps the most misunderstood of Beethoven's symphonies, the 4th. The Beethoven symphony is the main work on this fascinating CD, which is rounded off by a performance of Beethoven's Coriolan Overture from 19 December 1937.

These performances have a remarkable mixture of delicacy and intensity. Although taken from 'off air' acetate recordings, the combination of the sheer quality of the music-making and the transcriptions (by Mike Dutton) make them a very enjoyable experience where the passion and committment of both conductor and orchestra shine through.

CDSJB 1011

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