"The 1945 [Franck] performance is luxurious, with a panoramic sense of space, a generosity of phrase, and a broad dynamic range. Nothing is hurried or pressed, and even the fortissimo accents have a soft-edged texture. The sensation of suspension felt in the opening lento is released in an exciting way in the vigorous allegro that follows, which Furtwängler prepares with an accelerando spanning a dozen bars. …" - The Furtwängler Record (John Ardoin, 1994)
This week's release offers listeners a chance to reassess Furtwängler's approach to two French composers, Franck and Ravel, in live performances given with the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras in 1944, 1945 and 1951. In each case huge advances have been possible with sound quality - giving you an opportunity to listen anew to these three excellent performances.
VAUGHAN WILLIAMS PROMOTION To celebrate the 151st birthday of composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, this week we're offering a 10% discount on all his recordings. Offer runs until 20 October.