Search - Sir Thomas Beecham :: London Philharmonic Recordings 2

The enterprising Biddulph label specializes in vintage recordings by greats of the past, lovingly restored in transfers that preserve the liveliness of the originals. Sir Thomas Beecham's career is well-documented on many labels, but these issues are of uncommon importance since they restore to the catalogues his relatively rare 1944-45 recordings with the orchestra he founded. They include a flowing Mendelssohn Symphony No. 5, a work he never re-recorded, along with others that never found their way onto LPs or CDs until now. Hard to say where to start. WHL 041 has a sparkling Haydn Symphony No. 97 and a vivacious Beecham arrangement of Handel music. WHL 042 has a lyric Beethoven Symphony No. 4 and a mellow Schubert Symphony No. 6. And on WHL 043, the Mendelssohn is joined by short works of Berlioz, Borodin, and others which Beecham's magic turned into sparkling gems. The playing throughout is excellent, as are Mark Obert-Thorn's transfers of the well-recorded 78s. --Dan Davis