Rudolf Kempe – BBC Symphony Orchestra – 80th Henry Wood Proms – August 30, 1974 – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –
A historic concert this week – the legendary Rudolf Kempe leading the BBC Symphony at the 80th Henry Wood Promenade (hence, ecstatic audience) in two works: Schubert’s Symphony Number 5 and Janacek’s Sinfonietta – they were recorded on August 30, 1974 – broadcast live and later issued on BBC Transcription discs to radio stations world wide.
And a few words from the Rudolf Kempe Society website:
Rudolf Kempe, Principal Conductor to some of the leading orchestras and opera houses in Europe, was one of the last representatives of the great German conducting tradition of the 19th and 20th centuries. Throughout the world he was highly regarded for his baton technique which in its brilliance and clarity was second to none; for the authenticity of his interpretations of an uncommonly wide repertoire in both opera and concert; for his qualities as an educator and guiding spirit of orchestras; and for his integrity as a musician and as a man. His relationship with the music scene in England, dating back to 1953, was extraordinary. It was based on mutual respect between him and the musicians, and on a deep understanding of mentality and shared artistic aims. It lasted almost a quarter of a century, until his death in 1976.
Through his association with the Royal Opera House Covent Gardens, his work as Principle Conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for fifteen years, and, in the same capacity, with the BBC Symphony Orchestra until his death, Kempe greatly influenced these orchestras and their artistic standing at home and abroad. This influence – which in some cases affected the very core of their existence – is felt to this day by generations of professionals and music lovers.
Throughout his career – on which he embarked as a pianist and oboist – Kempe also continued to perform regularly as a piano soloist in concertos, and was much in demand as a partner in chamber music and as a lieder accompanist. It is the experience in these more intimate fields that, in his view, enhances more than anything the musical sensitivity and the sense of ensemble that make the true artist.
Enjoy the concert – from the sounds of it, the Proms audience certainly did.
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