Search - Erich Wolfgang Korngold :: Music From The Golden Age...

Simply Superb! A Reference Recording You Just Must Have.

William F. Flanigan Jr. | North Potomac, MD USA | 01/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is one of only two comparison references for ALL OTHER
modern versions of the selections presented here. The recordings
were made in 1961 by a "pickup orchestra" in Munich to save
money. But what an orchestra it is! Mr. George Korngold (Erich
Wolfgang Korngold's younger son) produced the original LP which
no doubt helps to account for recordings of nearly unparalleled
excellence. Buy and savor!"

Absorbing.

William F. Flanigan Jr. | 11/16/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the recording I first found in a second-hand record shop. I bought it for Singapore two dollars. It was in 1974. I was 20 then. I did not realise the beauty and importance of this recording until I got the reissued Warner Bros version about 2 years later. The notes in the LP (it cost S$12 full price) indicated that it commanded as high as A$200. I could not appreciate the music until 5 hearings later ! By then, I was addicted to Korngold.This year I managed to get film soundtracks by Korngold - Robin Hood, Constant Nymph, Sea Hawk and Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex. It was a dream come true. Still, Lionel Newman`s conducting is far superior to Korngold`s. Especially, the main title music to Elizabeth and Essex. It flares brilliantly. The orchestral playing is superb. Randy and Drake from Kings Row comes off beautifully. Considering Newman`s considerable experience with film music as conductor, it is not surprising that collectors would pay so much and the gold status of the recording is well deserved. I liked the Love theme from Robin Hood. It is lovingly played by the orchestra. Even Korngold`s version pales. My regret is that Mr Lionel Newman did not conduct entire scores from Korngold`s repertoire. The Constant Nymph would have been a big winner with film music fans. The original by Korngold has lovely melodies but Gerhadt`s version of the tone poem Tomorrow has drama slightly lacking in the Korngold version. In all, this Newman version should never be deleted from the catalogue. It remains probably the finest exposition of Korngold film music in verve and nuance. Enjoy !"