Ormandy Conducts the Complete Albéniz Iberia

Albéniz's Iberia is usually heard complete in its original form for piano, or in the selection of five pieces orchestrated by Enrique Fernández Arbós. However, the remaining items were later orchestrated by conductor-composer Carlos Surinach, and are themselves quite worthwhile.

I believe this recording was the first of the complete orchestrated Iberia, and it is exceptionally good. This is one of those Philadelphia/Ormandy records that appeared in the mono era never to be seen or heard again. Too bad, because it is beautifully played and brightly recorded - and the music is so attractive.

This comes to us courtesy of Joe Serraglio, who has graced us with a number of Philadelphia recordings already. It's a fine transfer; my contributions were slight rebalancing and tracking. The recordings were made in early 1956 in the Academy of Music.

My thanks to Joe - you will thank him, too, when you listen.