Pierre Monteux - Fine Performance - Japan 5 CD Limited Edition

Credits:

Pierre Monteux

Description:

A treasure of recording history! A collection of Montu’s final Philips recordings. Includes footage of the “Hero” rehearsal. Recorded between June 1962—during his final years—and February 1964, the year of his death, these Philips recordings are not only Montu’s final masterpieces but also performances that can truly be called treasures that shine brilliantly in the history of recorded music. Recorded when he was between 87 and 88 years old, this collection begins with “Swan Lake (Excerpts)” from June 1962 with the London Symphony Orchestra, and the following month, during a guest appearance with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra—with whom he had enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship—this “Eroica” was recorded, along with footage from the rehearsal. Although only about four and a half years had passed since the DECCA recording with the Vienna Philharmonic in December 1957 (currently available as PROC1570), this performance is a masterful, mature rendition that is quintessentially Montu. During the rehearsal for the second movement, it is striking how he focuses not on minute details but on providing clear and precise guidance on the fundamentals. It is an outstanding performance, even among the many recordings of the “Heroic Symphony.” Furthermore, the “Unfinished Symphony,” recorded the following year in 1963, was released as a memorial album alongside the rehearsal footage of the aforementioned “Heroic Symphony.” Here, too, one can hear a performance that borders on the miraculous. As for his signature Brahms, this too is an overwhelming masterpiece that surpasses his earlier recording with the Vienna Philharmonic. This Brahms Symphony No. 2 has pushed aside the numerous other recordings available and is a classic that enjoys overwhelming support, particularly among Japanese audiences. Ravel and Debussy also feature in these recordings, offering the dignified, masterful performances unique to Montu. In particular, the three Ravel pieces recorded in February 1964—the year of his death—are of such quality that it is hard to believe they were performed by a conductor who would turn 89 just two months later; they are truly magnificent performances that evoke the essence of Montu’s early artistry. Although the PHILIPS recordings differ from those of DECCA, even when listened to in this current reissue, one can fully appreciate the superb sound quality of the era. For this reissue, with the exception of a few tracks where the master tape was damaged, we have converted the original master recordings to high-bit, high-sampling formats as much as possible to create the CD masters. This allows listeners to reaffirm the technical prowess of the PHILIPS label at that time. This box set will serve as a timeless collection not only for fans but also as a commemorative edition marking the 50th anniversary of his passing.