Philadelphia Sym. Orchestra - Carmen Prelude to Act 1 (1927)

[OhNoesItsSydney]

wow its really great :D

it just seems a little fast? idk D:

[merrihew]

Yes, those early electric Philadelphis discs are amazing. I tried posting some of Stkowski's early more popular selections but the response was much less than my other more serious postings. I guess some people don't take him too seriously (maybe its Fantasia).

[transformingArt]

Umm...by the way, what about Fantasia? It's a very nice film, after all...

[merrihew]

Yes, of course, Fantasia was a great film introducing many to classical music. But he was criticized greatly by many serious musicians of "Going Hollywood".

[transformingArt]

Hmm...I didn't know that those serious musicians criticized Stokowski for 'going Hollywood'...although I once heard that Rise Stevens was heavily critized by her appearances on film.

Ah, and that just reminded me the so-called 'romantic' relationship between Stokowski and Greta Garbo. Garbo said in her semi-autobiography that she persuaded Stokowski to make some pictures, and the first result of the persuation was that "100 Men and A Girl".

[billyguns2]

@merrihew The same thing happened to that great pianist and conductor Jose Iturbi. Today Stokowksi and Iturbi would be pop icons, lauded for their being "with it." !

[2ndviolinist]

I have collected a pretty large collection of Stoki and Philly on CD, a toss-up with Mengelberg with Concertgebouw for best conductor/orchestra. I would love more posts from 78s. It may be new to me and 78s played well often sound better than transfers. I was very impressed with the pre-Fantasia recording of Nutcracker selections. Of course I love old violin serious works and ditties as well as old chamber works.

[merrihew]

I'm still struggling trying to find out why YT will not accept any of my postings.

[tHEnOOSEsWING]

This is splendid Stokowski. Thank you.

[ch0okz1]

As you say, fantastic sound quality, especially for 1927. The recording technicians did Stokowski proud, and maybe the Japanese pressing also deserves some of the praise. Stokowski captures the spirit of "Carmen" very well indeed.