Pristine Classical continues its celebration of Willem Mengelberg’s 150th anniversary with the fifth and penultimate volume of his Telefunken recordings with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Captured in 1941 and 1942, these sessions include a newly expansive Pathétique Symphony, Mengelberg’s only commercial Dvořák (New World Symphony), Borodin’s evocative In the Steppes of Central Asia, and a rare glimpse of his Strauss with Death and Transfiguration. Together they reveal the conductor’s individuality at the height of his powers.

The release closes with the 1942 remake of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, long mistaken for its 1937 predecessor, and now presented in its true form. Restored with exceptional care by Mark Obert-Thorn for Pristine, these performances combine Mengelberg’s passionate vision with a fascinating recording history, offering collectors and new listeners alike a compelling journey into his unique legacy.

We also celebrate Bruno Walter's 149th birthday with a 10% discount on all his recordings at Pristine.

This week's release is Bizet’s rarely-heard La Jolie Fille de Perth - which sparkles with melody and drama - brought vividly to life in Sir Thomas Beecham’s 1956 BBC broadcast. With his trademark elegance and flair, Beecham champions a score he long believed unjustly neglected.

The superb cast is led by Mattiwilda Dobbs, Alexander Young, David Ward and Owen Brannigan, all in their prime. This is a true rediscovery: Bizet’s lyrical invention, Beecham’s passion for French opera, and a performance of irresistible vitality.

We also celebrate Schoenberg's 151st birthday this week with a special automatic 10% discount on all his recordings here at Pristine.

This week at Pristine we present our 750^th orchestral release in the shape of Toscanini’s 5^th May 1950 concert at Pasadena, California, with the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Highlights include Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture and Wagner’s Good Friday Spell. There’s also a special bonus track!

Writing in Gramophone magazine in July about the first volume, Rob Cowan stated: “Anyone who shuns recordings in favour of the live occasion has reason to make an exception for this recording: no orchestral concert I’ve heard, either in person or on disc, sounds more live than this one does. I urge you to buy it. Volume 2 is due out later this year. Needless to say, I can’t wait.”

We also celebrate Bruckner’s 201^st birthday with a special 10% automatic discount on all his music at Pristine.