Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra (1952) Von Karajan/Philharmonia

Bela Bartok
Concerto for Orchestra, SZ.116
1. Introduzione - Andante non troppo - Allegro vivace (0:08)
2. Giuco della copie - Allegretto scherzando (9:55)
3. Elegia - Andante non troppo (16:22)
4. Intermezzo interotto - Allegretto (24:23)
5. Finale-Pesante, Presto (28:49)
Herbert Von Karajan
The Philharmonia Orchestra
Recorded in 1952
When Von Karajan made his first recording of The Concerto for Orchestra it was still "new music". Bartok had only completed it six years earlier, and the only full recording that precedes this one was by Reiner with the Pittsburg Symphony. His legendary '55 recording with the Chicago Symphony in stereo was still some years off.
What we are being treated to is the younger Von Karajan's ability to conduct this very demanding score on the basis his own insight as a interpreter. As the present recording demonstrates, it was quite considerable.
Small wonder that he caused so much excitement very early in his career.
Field acoustic restoration (2024): Paul Howard - The Yucaipa Studio
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[@leestamm3187]

A nice "early" recording of the piece. Hadn't heard this one before. Thanks, Paul.