RICHARD WAGNER (1813-1883)

 

Symphonic Syntheses by Leopold Stokowski

 

Das Rheingold: Entrance of the Gods into Valhalla (ed. Stokowski)

Tristan und Isolde: Symphonic Synthesis (arr. Stokowski)

Parsifal: Symphonic Synthesis from Act III (arr. Stokowski)

Die Walküre: Magic Fire Music (arr. Stokowski)

Die Walküre: Ride of the Valkyries (ed. Stokowski)

 

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra / José Serebrier

 

When Leopold Stokowski began his conducting career, the music of Wagner featured in his very first concert and was to remain close to his heart for the rest of his life. In those early days, particularly through gramophone records, he introduced Wagner to a wide public with extended orchestral excerpts woven together as richly conceived tone poems and given the title “Symphonic Syntheses”.

 

In these performances by José Serebrier and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, these tone poems have a unique sumptuousness of sound and for those who love this evocative music gloriously played, there is much here that will ravish the ear. (The Leopold Stokowski Society).

 

Naxos 8570293