This week we are presenting a number of recordings of major works - two Bach Brandenburg Concertos, the Mozart 40th, the Beethoven 5th, Schubert’s “Unfinished” and the Brahms 2nd - by Ormandy and The Philadelphia Orchestra which are, for the most part, completely unknown to modern listeners. In the case of the Bach works, these are the only versions Ormandy recorded over his long career.
Taken from a series of anonymously released 78rpm albums issued in a series conceived by the New York Post, these superb recordings from the late 1930s have remained barely identified since their release, despite selling in their millions. In superb new transfers by Mark Obert-Thorn they can finally be appreciated for what they truly are - a cornucopia of Classical Music's Greatest Hits delivered by one of the greatest orchestras and conductors of the era.
We also celebrate the 150th birthday of Charles Ives with a 20% discount on all his music this week at Pristine.