Festival de Montreux, Brahms - Bach - Beethoven, Concert du 23/09/1956, Orchestre National, Carl Schuricht , R. Casadesus

Immerse yourself in a captivating historical performance with the Orchestre National de la RTF, conducted by the esteemed Carl Schuricht, featuring the virtuoso pianist Robert Casadesus. This album, recorded live at the Festival de Montreux on September 23, 1956, offers a rare glimpse into a concert that showcases the timeless masterpieces of Brahms, Bach, and Beethoven.

The concert opens with Johannes Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83, a work celebrated for its lyrical depth and technical brilliance. Casadesus' interpretation is both sensitive and powerful, complemented by the Orchestre National de la RTF's rich, resonant sound.

Following Brahms, the orchestra performs three chorales extracted from Johann Sebastian Bach's cantatas (Nos. 103, 104, and 50). These sacred pieces are rendered with a sense of reverence and clarity, highlighting the ensemble's precision and the conductor's nuanced direction.

The concert concludes with Ludwig van Beethoven's iconic Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67. The orchestra's performance is dynamic and expressive, capturing the symphony's dramatic intensity and emotional range. From the famous opening four-note motif to the triumphant finale, this rendition is a testament to the ensemble's artistry and Schuricht's masterful conducting.

This album is a treasure for classical music enthusiasts, offering a chance to experience a legendary concert from the mid-20th century. The Orchestre National de la RTF, under Schuricht's baton, delivers a performance that is both historically significant and musically transcendent.