Description
Leopold Stokowski - Beethoven, Schubert, Debussy & Wagner - Classic Archive DVD
Made in Europe
Region 2 PAL DVD
Product Information
- UPC: 724349284296
- Product Type: Classical Music DVD
- Genre: Classical Orchestral Performance
- Languages: Minimal dialogue (Music performance)
- Subtitles: Not applicable
- Format: DVD-5 (single-sided)
- Running Time: 93:57 minutes
- Video Format: PAL 4:3, Black & White
- Audio: Linear PCM Mono, remastered for DVD
- Menu Languages: English, Français, Deutsch, Español
- Region Code: None (PAL system compatible players only)
- Distributor: EMI Classics/IMG Artists/Idéale Audience
- Release Year: 2002
Overview
This DVD from the distinguished Classic Archive series presents the legendary conductor Leopold Stokowski in remarkable performances from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The main program showcases Stokowski leading the London Philharmonic Orchestra in powerful interpretations of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor and Schubert's Symphony No. 8 "Unfinished," recorded at Fairfield Hall, Croydon on September 9, 1969. The collection also includes Stokowski conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act I and a characteristically colorful rendition of Debussy's Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, filmed at the Royal Festival Hall, London on June 14, 1972. As a valuable bonus, the DVD features Pierre Monteux conducting the London Symphony Orchestra in Dukas' L'Apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer's Apprentice), filmed in London in 1961. This meticulously restored historical footage offers a unique glimpse into orchestral performance practice of a bygone era.
Product Features
- Format: DVD-5 (single-sided) with PAL encoding (no region coding)
- Video: Black & White, 4:3 aspect ratio
- Audio: Linear PCM Mono sound, remastered for DVD
- Running Time: 93:57 minutes
- Menu Languages: English, French, German, Spanish
- Bonus Content: Pierre Monteux conducts Dukas' L'Apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer's Apprentice)
- Accompanying booklet with detailed chapter list, authoritative essay, and archive photographs
- State-of-the-art restoration using finest technology available
Interesting Facts
Stokowski at 90
This DVD includes some of Stokowski's final performances, including the Wagner and Debussy pieces from 1972 when he was 90 years old. The vitality and expressiveness he brings to these interpretations is extraordinary for a conductor of his advanced age, demonstrating his remarkable longevity on the podium. The Debussy performance, in particular, shows his undiminished ability to shape orchestral color and create atmospheric textures, qualities for which he was famous throughout his lengthy career.
Revolutionary Conductor
Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) was one of the most innovative and controversial conductors of the 20th century. He abandoned the baton in favor of conducting with his bare hands, pioneered free bowing for string players (allowing a more opulent sound), experimented with orchestral seating arrangements, and created his own orchestrations of Bach and other composers. His theatrical podium presence—complete with dramatic lighting and flamboyant gestures—made him a celebrity conductor decades before such a concept became commonplace.
Crossover Cultural Icon
Beyond his considerable musical achievements, Stokowski achieved unprecedented cultural prominence for a classical conductor. He appeared in Disney's animated film "Fantasia" (1940), shaking hands with Mickey Mouse and explaining orchestral music to audiences. He also had a high-profile romance with actress Greta Garbo and was satirized by Bugs Bunny cartoons ("Long-Haired Hare"). This crossover appeal between high culture and popular entertainment was unique in his era and helped bring classical music to new audiences.
Program Content
-
Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67
- London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Filmed at Fairfield Hall, Croydon, 9 September 1969
-
Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B minor, D.759 "Unfinished"
- London Philharmonic Orchestra
- Filmed at Fairfield Hall, Croydon, 9 September 1969
-
Richard Wagner: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Prelude to Act I
- London Symphony Orchestra
- Filmed at Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 June 1972
-
Claude Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune
- London Symphony Orchestra
- Filmed at Royal Festival Hall, London, 14 June 1972
-
Bonus: Paul Dukas: L'Apprenti sorcier (The Sorcerer's Apprentice)
- Pierre Monteux, conductor
- London Symphony Orchestra
- Filmed in London, 1961
Publishers
A Co-production between Pierre-Olivier Bardet (Idéale Audience International) and Stephen Wright (IMG Artists). Released under exclusive license to EMI Records Ltd. The material includes content from BBC (1906) and INA (1962-2002, 1964-2004).
We value your feedback! Share your experience with this product to help others make informed decisions. Your review is important to us!
Hashtags
#LeopoldStokowski #ClassicArchive #Beethoven5thSymphony #SchubertUnfinished #DebussyFaune #HistoricalOrchestralPerformance #LondonPhilharmonic #LondonSymphonyOrchestra
