RE: The Stokowski Swagger.

Posted by dcharvonia (A) on May 22, 2017 at 10:53:06

In Reply to: The Stokowski Swagger. posted by B.K. on May 22, 2017 at 06:20:42:

Stokowski was a genuine, certified genius who basically invented the modern symphony orchestra during his early years in Philadelphia. He believed in the magical power of music to stir the passions - his was a truly Dionysian approach to music that shocked the desiccated old critics (just as it does today's pedants) but secretly thrilled the otherwise upstanding matrons and patrons at the Academy of Music. To hear Stoky at his most convincing, both musically and emotionally, you really have to go back to the RCA Victor recordings from the late 20s and early 30s with Philly. I could go on for pages about the extraordinary riches to be found there (it didn't hurt that he had some supreme virtuosi in his band during those years.) Because of his great interest in recording technology (unusual among conductors) most of these early recordings hold up amazingly well.
His later recordings are admittedly variable, ranging from inspired to ridiculous, but when he was on his best behavior he had few if any peers. BTW a video available on YouTube showing him rehearsing a mostly student orchestra in the Rachmaninoff Paganini Rhapsody reveals a complete professional whose rehearsal technique is an absolute model of clarity and efficiency. No stupid philosophizing or chit-chat - just great music-making under the control of a perfect ear.
Just my opinion but I'm sticking to it!!!

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - The Stokowski Swagger. - B.K. 06:20:42 05/22/17 (12)

RE: The Stokowski Swagger. - dcharvonia 10:53:06 05/22/17 (2)

Was the American SO a student orchestra during its Stokowski years? - Chris from Lafayette 19:38:24 05/22/17 (1)

RE: Was the American SO a student orchestra during its Stokowski years? - Mel 07:57:04 05/23/17 (0)

RE: The Stokowski Swagger. - Diogenes 10:34:23 05/22/17 (2)

Yes, and it is a good performance - B.K. 14:15:04 05/24/17 (0)

That recording is not too bad, as Phase-4 recordings go - Chris from Lafayette 19:23:00 05/22/17 (0)

Love all of those things - TGR 07:49:33 05/22/17 (3)

Celibidache's later pronouncement usefully counterbalanced Toscanini's claim - Chris from Lafayette 09:19:08 05/22/17 (2)

RE: Celibidache's later pronouncement . . . - goldenthal 15:15:10 05/27/17 (0)

RE: Celibidache's later pronouncement usefully counterbalanced Toscanini's claim - Mel 08:11:42 05/23/17 (0)

RE: The Stokowski Swagger. - Story 07:26:05 05/22/17 (1)

RE: The Stokowski Swagger. - B.K. 06:36:02 05/23/17 (0)

Follow Ups

RE: The Stokowski Swagger. - dcharvonia 10:53:06 05/22/17 (2)

Was the American SO a student orchestra during its Stokowski years? - Chris from Lafayette 19:38:24 05/22/17 (1)

RE: Was the American SO a student orchestra during its Stokowski years? - Mel 07:57:04 05/23/17 (0)

RE: The Stokowski Swagger.

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