Debussy: L'après-midi d'un faune (Stokowski) part 2/2

A celebrated performance conducted by Leopold Stokowski with the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 June 1972.

"Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune" by Claude Debussy.

Yes, Stokowski without a baton. He used one on and off for years, but finally gave it up entirely in the 1920s. "Instead of one baton, I now have ten!"

adapted from the liner notes by Edward Johnson


Debussy: Prelude to "The Afternoon of a Faun"

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Debussy
• Stokowski
• faune
• après-midi
• flute
• solo
• oboe
• woodwind

[dannypurtell]

Is there really any point of anyone else trying to record this, because how can you improve on perfection :|

[JohnAGood]

Goodness me what a find, I actually attended this concert all those years ago as a twenty year old. I can actually pick myself out in the front row of the audience.

I re-call this concert was a tremedous occasion, it was so popular I remember it was reprieved at the Albert Hall shortly after.

[deserteacher]

@JohnAGood Where are you in the front row? I was twenty also that year!

[deserteacher]

@JohnAGood How cool is that?

[UturnatA2]

@dannypurtell oh it's definitely not perfect, but who cares?

[chilenoHDU]

This concert made my day... omg!! what a beautiful music!!! ;)

[classifiedwaste71]

@Cherilynn100 Thank you very much. I will work on it and get back to you, when I finish. I have a great love for the creatures of the woods, and I wish to see them preserved.

[MouseAndCo]

i have to go ... but i am so mesmerised!!!

[MouseAndCo]

@AdriaFloriDeSoc yes, leopold



[sacredlunatic]

@darkprose Actually, I find the conducting also to be exhilarating and beautiful. His style is so crisp and well matched to the music compared to other conductors.

[teichiboy]

that was horrible... it ended. Why does such ecstacy have to come to an end.

[darkprose]

It's so tiring to hear comments like "he's so old." If you were just listening to the music, and not watching the conducting, you would think this is one of the most beautiful readings of this music---it luxuriates in every color, every tone, and moment. It's masterful. Then look at Stokowski himself! He may be old and not super spry, but, Jesus, he knows exactly what he wants and he communicates that to the highly attentive orchestra. A great video. Thanks for sharing!