This was based on the Sadler's Wells Ballet's 1955 production. Irving was at that time the troupe's music director. The recordings were made in June, and originally issued on HMV. My transfer comes from the RCA Victor set produced under license in the US.
Irving provides a lithe reading, keeping things moving along, which is to my taste, and hopefully was to the liking of the dancers. The Covent Garden orchestra is responsive but sounds a trifle underpowered in the strings.
The sound is well-balanced mono. It's possible that this was recorded in stereo, but I have not seen evidence of such a release myself. The download includes scans of the four-page insert.
11 comments:
Link (Apple lossless):
https://www.mediafire.com/?bol81l2m3dkh379
Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!
I've really enjoyed this, so thank you again very much indeed! Best wishes, Nick
Thanks so much Buster for that one ! Irving is a fantastic ballet conductor, finding a good balance in between symphonic purpose and ballet accompaniment style. Please more Irving....if poss....
All - Thanks for the comments!
Nick - Glad you enjoyed!
centuri - I have a good number of Irving records, so will be posting more over time.
Thanks Buster.
I've never heard Sleeping Beauty before. Thank you Buster!
I've never heard Sleeping Beauty before. Thank you Buster!
FYI - this is still available via the link above. If you get a "permission denied" message, try the link again.
Buster, have you ever run across Robert Irving's Kapp recording of the NYC Ballet Orchestra's complete "Nutcracker" ballet?
Larry - I have seen it, but I don't have a copy myself, sorry!
Post a Comment