Over past few days, listened to some selections from cd’s put out in commemorative sets by New York Phil, “ Bernstein Live “ and “The Historic Broadcasts 1923 to 1987. Sound varies , of course, but still very listenable. Hope these are available thru NYPO or elsewhere.
Hindemith,”Mathis der Maler “, Bernstein conducting,Dec.23,1956. I heard the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra ( conductor not recalled ) ca.1980 do this live on a US tour of theirs. Seems to work better live.
Bruckner,Sym.No.6 (Nowak ed.), Bernstein conducting,Mar.27,1976.My only infrequent venture past No.7.
Bruckner,Sym.No.9 (Original Version) , Otto Klemperer,Oct.14,1934 .Sound not very good , but a one-time hear for me in any event.
Brahms,Violin Concerto, Heifetz,Toscanini,Feb.24,1935.Heifetz more emotionally engaged, freer in tempo and phrasing, than in his 50’s studio with Reiner/CSO.From Lawrence Gilman’s review: “Mr.Heifetz has often negotiated this wickedly treacherous music with amazing security and aplomb.But last evening the sovereign poise and ease and supremacy of his playing assumed a legendary quality as the performance passed from actuality into history.”
Chopin,PC # 1,Rubinstein,Walter,Feb.9,1947.While I prefer slightly the slow mov.in his studio 60’s recording with Skrowaczewski as a bit warmer, more relaxed, for me the 1947 is more effective as a whole, and still one of best I’ve heard.
Wagner,Immolation Scene from “Gotterdammerung”, Flagstaff,Walter,Mar.23,1952.From the Variety review: “ There was continuous applause for 21 minutes and 35 seconds ( official clocking by CBS’s James Fassett) after the Immolation Scene , with the diva taking a dozen bows.Applause didn’t stop till concertmaster John Corigliano announced that Mme.Flagstad had left the building.Philharmonic officials couldn’t recall any such ovation since the one accorded Arturo Toscanini when he retired from conductorship of the orchestra in 1936…” (Of course, the 1952 audience had not already been sitting 4 hours.)
Poulenc, “Concert champetre”, the composer as pianist,Mitropolous,Nov. 14, 1948.Had not heard for years, but I prefer his Piano Concerto.
Shostakovich, VC # 1,David Oistrakh,Mitropolous,American premiere,Jan.1,1956.Despite the sound limits, wonderful, a warmer tone and emotion than the more hard-driven readings most seem to give today.