Search - Karl Goldmark, George Frederick Handel, Thomas Beecham :: Sir Thomas Beecham Conducts Handel & Goldmark

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Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 01/19/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having bought and enjoyed most of Sony UK's "Sir Thomas Beecham: The Original CBS Recordings" series, I decided to order a couple of titles I still needed. One of them was this disc featuring TB's 1950 recording of his own adaptation for Concert Suite of Handel's "The Faithful Shepherd," and his 1952 account of Goldmark's "Rustic Wedding" Symphony. Many period-instruments fans will probably cringe at the notion of a conductor arranging Handel's music, but in his day Beecham did a great deal to expose the listening public to music of the composer's that was rarely performed. I knew after buying and listening to Beecham's recent EMI "Gemini" title featuring his edited "Solomon" and arrangement of "Love in Bath," that these performances would sparkle (and they did) despite the mono sound. This was also my first encounter with the Goldmark Symphony and it's a shame more big name conductors didn't feature it back in the 50s and 60s. Overall, if you are a devotee of Sir Thomas and can stomach the inflated import price tag, then this disc is for you."