Description

Great Conductors Classic Archive Collector's Edition - Blu-ray

Product Information

UPC: 880242750945
Product Type: Classical Music Blu-ray
Genre: Classical Music Documentary/Performance
Languages: Various
Subtitles: Deutsch, English, Français, Español
Format: Blu-ray Disc
Running Time: 868 minutes (14 hours, 28 minutes)
Video Format: SD NTSC 4:3/16:9 on Blu-ray
Audio: PCM 2.0 Dual Mono, Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono
Region Code: All (worldwide)
Distributor: EuroArts

Overview

The "Classic Archive Collector's Edition - Conductors" is a comprehensive Blu-ray box set featuring outstanding performances from legendary conductors of the 20th century. This exceptional collection offers unique insights into the world of musical interpretation during the golden age of orchestral conducting. Over more than 14 hours of material, the edition includes various orchestral works, concertos, and a documentary, showcasing the thrilling artistry and inimitable performances of nine maestros who shaped the course of classical music: Herbert von Karajan, Yevgeny Mravinsky, Charles Munch, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, Carlo Maria Giulini, Otto Klemperer, Leopold Stokowski, Eugen Jochum, and Igor Markevitch.

Product Features

Format: Multi-disc Blu-ray set with worldwide region coding
Video: Standard definition source material presented in both 4:3 and 16:9 formats
Audio Options: PCM 2.0 Dual Mono, Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono
Subtitles: German, English, French, Spanish
Running Time: 868 minutes (14 hours, 28 minutes)
Special Feature: Documentary "Yevgeny Mravinsky: Soviet Conductor, Russian Aristocrat" by Dennis Marks
Comprehensive accompanying booklet with detailed program information

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

This collection preserves rare television performances from some of the most influential conductors of the 20th century, many of which have rarely been available since their original broadcasts. These archival recordings, dating from the 1960s through the 1980s, capture these maestros at the height of their powers and document their distinctive interpretative approaches to the classical repertoire.

Diverse Conducting Traditions

The set represents a fascinating cross-section of different conducting schools and styles: from the precision and intensity of Karajan, to the mystical approach of Stokowski, the scholarly rigor of Klemperer, the fiery energy of Munch, and the aristocratic discipline of Mravinsky. Viewers can compare these varied approaches across similar repertoire, offering invaluable insights for music lovers and students of conducting.

Cultural Context

Beyond their musical significance, many of these performances capture important historical contexts. Particularly noteworthy is the documentary on Yevgeny Mravinsky, which explores not only his musical genius but also his complex position as a Soviet conductor with aristocratic roots during the Cold War era. Similarly, recordings from the Soviet artists like Rozhdestvensky and Mravinsky offer a window into the artistic life behind the Iron Curtain.

Program Content

Beethoven

Symphony No. 9, Op. 125 (Klemperer, London 1964)
Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 (Stokowski, Croydon 1969)
Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 (Ansermet, Paris 1967)

Berlioz

Symphonie Fantastique, Op. 14 (Karajan, Paris 1970)

Brahms

Symphony No. 1, Op. 68 (Munch, Tokyo 1966)
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 77 (Oistrakh/Rozhdestvensky, Moscow 1966)

Bruckner

Symphony No. 7 (Jochum, Paris 1980)

Debussy

Prélude à l'Après-midi d'un Faune (Stokowski, London 1972)

Fauré

Pelléas et Mélisande, Suite for Orchestra, Op. 80 (Paray, Paris 1971)

Mozart

Symphony No. 40, KV 550 (Giulini, Croydon 1964)

Mussorgsky

Pictures at an Exhibition (Giulini, London 1964)

Ravel

Daphnis et Chloë, Suite for Orchestra No. 2 (Munch, Tokyo 1966)

Schubert

Symphony No. 8, D 759, "Unfinished" (Stokowski, Croydon 1969)

Shostakovich

Symphony No. 1, Op. 10 (Markevitch, Paris 1963)

Stravinsky

Symphony of Psalms (Markevitch, Paris 1967)
The Firebird, Suite 1945 (Stravinsky, London 1965)

Tchaikovsky

Francesca da Rimini, Op. 32 (Mravinsky, Leningrad 1983)
Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 35 (Oistrakh/Rozhdestvensky, Moscow 1968)

Wagner

Tristan und Isolde excerpts (Jochum, Paris 1980)

Documentary

Yevgeny Mravinsky: Soviet Conductor, Russian Aristocrat (A film by Dennis Marks)

Publishers

A co-production between Pierre-Olivier Bardet (Idéale Audience) and Stephen Wright (IMG Artists). Material originally produced for the Classic Archive TV series by Olivier Charvet for Idéale Audience and IMG Artists. Additional collaborations with INA, BBC, and CNC. © 2002-2007 IMG Artists/Idéale Audience. Artwork and Editorial © 2016 EuroArts Music International GmbH.

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