Click on the link here for Audio Player – Raymond Loucheur – Concerto For Percussion And Orchestra – 1963 – ORTF Radio Session
Something special tonight. I haven’t really played much in the way of 1960s contemporary French Orchestra sessions via ORTF. So when I ran across this performance of Raymond Loucheur’s Concerto For Percussion and Orchestra, featuring Percussionist Vincent Geminiani and the ORTF Chamber orchestra led by Pierre Dervaux, I felt obliged to run it. Not only for the fact that it’s a really interesting and engaging piece of music by a hugely underrated and under-appreciated composer, but that it appears to be the broadcast premier of the work. The Concerto was finished in 1963 and this broadcast (as best as I can ascertain) is from 1963. And since I haven’t seen a commercial recording of this work, and this appears to be about the only recording, that I know of, this really is a very special presentation.
I think it’s safe to say Raymmond Loucheur (1899-1979) is in need of rediscovery. This isn’t the only work of Loucheur’s I have heard over the years. He was quite a capable and inventive composer who had some very interesting ideas. His name has been mentioned of late, and hopefully that bodes well for a reassessment of a composer of high skill and adventuresome point of view.
Have a listen to this one and see what you think.
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Yes a special post indeed, featuring Dervaux – one of my favorite conductors- who was also a percussion player ! I saw many times him conducting, always inspired and energetic !! as far as I know, there is no recording -you are right- of that work. Raymond Loucheur is part of these forgotten and so talented French composers. He wrote many interesting orchestral pieces. THX a million for this incredible post Gordon.
Thanks so much for your kind words! I always try.