Review: Stokowski's 1954-75 Stereo Recordings on RCA

Another great set, not quite as consistent as the 10-disc Sony box, this 14-CD RCA collection features some first class Stokowski: Beethoven, Brahms, Wagner, the celebrated Anna Moffo recital, and lot's more.

[@pabmusic1]

Stokowski was actually a classmate of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst at the Royal College of Music. All three played in William Hurlstone's Variations on a Swedish Air at the College (Hurlstone was another classmate). Stokowski played violin, Holst the trombone and RVW triangle!

[@pabmusic1]

@@gerontius3 It seems odd, doesn't it? But in the 1990s I was asked to write programme notes for Hurlstone's different sets of orchestral variations, and spent some time with the (then) Librarian of the RCM. I could confirm what I knew from RVW's own writings that he and Holst had played in one set at the RCM., and I was shown a programme (no programme notes, though) that listed the orchestra. I am sure that L. Stokowski was among the violins, but I wasn't interested in him so didn't note it carefully. It was several years later that I realised the age differences - but I never went back to check that. However, it seems that Stokowski. RVW and Holst did overlap - just - because Stokowski entered the RCM when he was just 13 - at the time said to be the youngest-ever. Both RVW and Holst were mature students (and RVW at least hung around after he'd left). So the possibility is there, and my memory is often good. Perhaps someone would like to contact the RCM.

[@pabmusic1]

@@gerontius3 Very interesting. I did make a mistake in my original post - it clearly wasn't the Swedish variations. But then Hurlstone did have two works played at the RCM - a piano concerto and the Variations on an Original Theme. RVW and Holst did play in at least one or both of those. I wish I had been more interested in the Stokowski name at the time. I suspect my original notes are still here - somewhere in this study I'm in right now - but I am confined to a wheelchair as just can't search for notes from 25(ish) years ago.

[@rsmickeymooproductions4877]

I was expecting the Eroica to be vulgar but it was the opposite. It's like he got the sandpaper out and smoothed out every edge possible. It flows so beautifully.

[@AlexMadorsky]

This is indeed a wonderful box that is recommendable to anyone, beginners or long-time collectors looking to round out their holdings. Stokowski played an enormous role in development of 20th-century repertoire that I’m glad our host points out. In Oliver Daniel’s Stokowski biography (which is admittedly more of a hagiography), one appendix lists all of the works given global or American premieres by Stokowski. The list is astonishing not only for its length, but also the stylistic breadth of the compositions and their quality. This one is a must-have, desert island box for me.

[@tomstarzeck7137]

I first discovered stokowski in my 20s when i picked up a cd called symphonic bach..it was one of my favorites and hearing Bach that way was very impressive, at that time I was dug into the late romantics like mahler and bruckner..it gave me a much greater appreciation of bachs music.

[@joseluisherreralepron9987]

I really enjoy listening the "Scheherazade" Phase 4 transfer with his rehearsal outtakes. It's fascinating. His grumpiness shows, of course, but also a slightly off-color sense of humor. It's a weird mix of cranky and inspiring and it ultimately works..."See you in New York" as he leaves the podium to applause. And those tam-tam strokes in the fourth movement he added...the first time I listened I thought, "What the hell?" but, being an admirer of a well-hit tam-tam didn't object too loudly. It's a multi-miked, ear-bleeding soup but damn it's great and one of my favorite recordings of that work...'musical junk food' is the perfect term!

[@joewebb1983]

I remember when I first heard this Brahms4. Just re-listened to it this morning. It is so good. The first movement, amazing. The coda, wow!

[@DavidJohnson-of3vh]

I always enjoy his 'adjustments': the tam-tam in Dvorak 9 finale and the magically appearing oboe long tone in the Hungarian Rhapsody #2 segueing into the second section of the piece!

[@robertpullin5830]

Et Tu!. When his final RCA Dvorak 9 was issued in the Uk in the early 70s it was accompanied with an additional LP of his stunning 1929 account, horribly transferred, in the same sleeve. It also included the Great Man at the piano, presumably on the last 78 side, 'explaining' his quaint view of the background to the work involving Red Indians, etc.

[@carlconnor5173]

The entirety of the box is on KZbin! I found it by scrolling down. But you can get it by typing in Leopold Stokowski: The Stereo Collection 1954-1975. If you leave 😅😅it to watch later you have to retype the title. It’s also broken up in various selections. But the symphonies are incomplete, as far as I can tell.

[@furdiebant]

Agree on the Eroica

[@walterbenjamin1386]

Another great video. Thanks.

[@brianwilliams9408]

I bought this box set way back in 1997 when it was released in the original jewel cases. The box had a removeable top and the CD's fit snugly in the box. I still own it and I'm never giving it up. Unlike this reissue, which I bought for my brother, the original issue had liner notes by Edward Johnson that was about three pages long for each of the recordings. All of these annotations were eliminated on the reissue. Then each one, had different art work in the background that pertained to the recording. The inside CD cases are clear, and when you removed the CD, underneath would reveal a full color photo of Stoky. They used two different photos and it would alternate between CD's. Then the cool part was the side spine of each CD. When you would have all the CD's in the box, they form the main box cover photo on the spine. The original release had drawings of Napoleon, original music scores, St. Basil's Cathedral, and other types of art related to the music in the box. The side of the box has another photo of Stoky blending with the background art. So the original release was super cool. My favorite one is the Scheherazade CD. Unlike the others, this one had a color photo of Stoky on the back of the last page of the liner notes. This one was the only one designed this way. So when you removed the CD, rather than seeing his photo like the others, the clear plastic would show a reproduction of the St. Basil Cathedral drawing back cover artwork without the lettering. Also, it's worth noting that the reissue had an error on the very last CD regarding the Mahler sessions. The dates are correct on the original release. So if you are lucky enough to find the original version of this issue and the price isn't too crazy, get it. It's a much more satisfying release to Stokowski collectors. I would also like to add that Dutton Vocalion has released a few of the late RCA recordings on SACD in genuine Quadraphonic sound. It's definitely superior to the issues here and the reissues. I strongly urge fellow Stokowski collectors to get the Quadraphonic versions if your budget allows.

[@bostonviewer5430]

Thanks for saying HI. I was recently gifted a copy of the Dutton SACD of the Mahler 2nd and a mighty nice gift it is. You're right it does sound great though I'm happy with the sonics on most everything in the box. Hope you're well. a.

[@robertpullin5830]

What we really need is a big Stokowski box of his legendary RCA Philly 78s, decently transferred, plus a box of his Everest recordings, only a few of which have appeared on CD

[@isaacsegal2844]

Nobody does better restoration than Pristine Classical, and they have a lot of Stoky, including recordings from both his sojourns in Philly.

[@bbailey7818]

A lot of them have appeared on Cala in good transfers in association with the Stokowski Society .

[@markgibson6654]

I am so glad you mentioned the Brahms 4th. I absolutely agree and am blown away each time I listen to it. I haven't heard the Eroica but am not surprised by your description. I have viewed/listened to a video of Leo doing Beethoven's 5th and it was like he brought down fire from the Gods in musical form., like he had just come across this amazing new composition and couldn't wait to share it .Remarkable! Thanks for this great video David and for your enthusiasm for Leo...at his best anyway :)

[@jgesselberty]

You joked about Khatchaturian's Third as "junk food for the ears." How about a video of nothing but those "junk food" pieces that we should hate, but love to listen to?

[@igorgregoryvedeltomaszewsk1148]

A "much wanted" topic indeed!

[@davidmayhew8083]

The only Stowkowski recording I ever had was Ives Suite #2, sinking of the Lusitania ?, and a wonderful work by Messian. Both were amazing!

[@djquinn4212]

Another suggestion for a box: Guido Cantelli, the Icon box or the more recent Warner box. Such a loss, but the recordings speak for themselves.

[@goodmanmusica2]

Great box

[@bostonviewer5430]

I feel myself among the lucky! I snagged this in it's original rather lavish RCA box: STOKOWSKI: RCA STEREO COLLECTION replete with highly stylized cover art featuring a different image of Stoki drifting God like on each jewel box and interesting liner notes for each. Remember liner notes? A box I'll never regret owning. Crazy and demented at times, yes, but never without his full commitment. No matter what anyone thinks or says about his "tinkering" he was a deeply musical man.

[@brianwilliams9408]

Me too! I posted my comment above! Good for you!

[@cartologist]

I first listened to the Mahler 2nd when I got the box a few months ago, and for some reason was not impressed. I just listened to it again a couple of hours ago. My experience this time was completely different. Now it’s one of my top 10 Mahler 2nd.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, they are.

[@richtomasek9308]

Regarding the Khatchaturian Symphony, in my hand is a picture of the recording being made. In the trumpet section is my late college teacher and two friends who are both still with us, one of which sent me the photo. He told me his lip was sore for two days after the rehearsal and recording! Also interesting is the man who took the photo lives two blocks from me.

[@bbailey7818]

The Tannhauser Act 3 Prelude Stokie plays is the original version, the one that goes well over 12 minutes. Toscanini played it also. I confess to Khachaturian's 3rd being a guilty junk food pleasure. I even own the score. The disc with the Luboff Choir was called "Inspiration." It's pretty sticky.

[@Archonnoir]

So happy to listen to your Stokowski reviews, and this is a wonderful set; though I have the old Rca Victor Gold Seal Box instead. Would you recommend that I get this new edition as well?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No.

[@isaacsegal2844]

About 40 years ago (maybe around the time he died), the local NPR station here in Philly did an audio documentary/retrospective that included reminisces by orchestra members who had played under Stokowski in the glory days. One recounted how improvisatory his performances could be, remarking on the uncanny level of communication between him and the orchestra-when he would veer from what had been rehearsed and wing it. He said it was as if they could sense what Stoky wanted in the moment and follow wherever he went. I recall a critic saying that whatever orchestra Stokowski happened to be conducting, he would have them sounding like the Philadelphia before it was over. Maybe that "spell" he seemed to cast over players had something to do with the "Stokowski sound"?

[@davidfox2116]

So - comparing them to the Phase 4 recordings: you really have to listen to the RCA Quads in surround to assess whether he's given them the full Stokie treatment.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

No, you don't.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

No where else will you get artist surveys and a rendition of the Taster's Choice jingle that you haven't heard in 50 years.

[@markzacek237]

That tune sounded suspiciously like the Faure Pavane rather than Rach’s Vocalise.

[@markgibson6654]

@@markzacek237 Agreed :)