– Vienna Symphony – Cond. Carlo Maria Giulini – Concert of June 21, 1977 – Austrian Radio – Gordon Skene Sound Collection –
Another classic concert this week – The Vienna Symphony, guest conducted by the legendary Carlo Maria Giulini in two works: Tchaikovsky: Symphony Number 2 “Little Russian” and Mussorgsky (arr. Ravel) – Pictures At An Exhibition.
In 1955 Carlo Maria Giulini made his American debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, leading to a 23-year association with the orchestra; he was its Principal Guest Conductor from 1969 to 1972, although he continued to appear with them regularly until 18 March 1978. In 1956, he began his association with the Philharmonia of London and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
In addition to his role in Chicago, he was music director of the Vienna Symphony from 1973 to 1976. From 1978 to 1984, he served as principal conductor and music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, launching his tenure there with performances of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. In 1982 he returned once more to opera, conducting a widely acclaimed production of Verdi’s Falstaff with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Overall, his impact on the musical world of the mid-to-late 20th century is summed up by Anthony Tommasini in his New York Times obituary of 2005:
Far from being an autocratic conductor or a kinetic dynamo of the podium, Mr. Giulini was a probing musician who achieved results by projecting serene authority and providing a model of selfless devotion to the score. His symphonic performances were at once magisterial and urgent, full of surprise yet utterly natural. He brought breadth and telling detail to the operas of Mozart and Verdi.
This concert was recorded by Austrian Radio in concert at The Vienna Festival on June 21, 1977.
Rather short (just a little over an hour), but under the direction of Carlo Maria Giulini, it’s an adventure.
Enjoy – and you can turn it up. Really . . .you can.
