Search - Erich Leinsdorf, Los Angeles Philharmonic :: Erich Leinsdorf conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic Wagner: Excerpts From The Operas & Prokofiev: Excerpts from the Ballet, Romeo and Juliet

Oscar Levant once described the relationship of an orchestra to the conductor as "one hundred men and a louse." It was refreshing, therefore, to observe the obvious pleasure taken by the Los Angeles Philharmonic while making records with Erich Leinsdorf. On several occasions a compliment was paid to a member of the orchestra. Invariably the response was to point to the podium and give credit to Mr. Leinsdorf: "He gives us every entrance; but if it's a diffcult one, he won't look at us in advance, only at the last moment and with confidence."
??Of course, the shaping of a great musical performance is much more than giving clean entrances and beating good time. Erich Leinsdorf has always demonstrated a unique ability to retain the cohesion of a musical composition with that rare combination, the balance between detail and sweep, lyricism and rhytrnic strength and masterful control of tempo relationships. The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra has instituted a secret ballot rating system for the various guest conductors who lead them. We learned that Erich Leinsdorf had been given the very highest rating.
? Wagner: Excerpts from the Operas
??1. Die Walkurie: Ride of the Valkyries (4:58)
??2. Tristan und Isolde: Prelude to Act 1 (10:48)
??3. Gotterdammerung: Siegfrieds Funeral Music (7:46)
??4. Siegfried: Forest Murmurs (7:46)
??Prokofiev: Excerpts from the Ballet, Romeo and Juliet
??5. Act I: Introduction - Juliet the Young Girl (10:16)
??6. Gavotte (3:50)
??7. Romeo Resolves to Avenge Mercutio's Death - Act II Finale (4:09)
??8. Act III: Introduction - Interlude - Again At Juliet's Home (6:33)
??9. Dance of the Maidens with Lilies (2:05)
??10. Juliet's Funeral - Death of Juliet (9:05)