Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of classical music with Sir Thomas Beecham's "The Passion for Music" - Beecham the Indomitable, a meticulously curated collection of orchestral and operatic masterpieces set for release on July 28, 2025, under Warner Classics. Spanning a generous 3 hours and 12 minutes, this album is a testament to Beecham's unparalleled conducting prowess and his deep passion for music.
The album opens with Handel's regal "Solomon" and Mozart's majestic "Jupiter" Symphony, showcasing Beecham's ability to bring out the grandeur and intricacy of these Baroque and Classical era works. The journey continues with a delightful medley from Grieg's "Peer Gynt," capturing the essence of Scandinavian folklore, and Bizet's vibrant "Carmen" selections, which highlight Beecham's flair for dramatic opera.
Beecham's unique interpretations of works by Haydn, Sibelius, and Delibes are also featured, demonstrating his versatility and deep understanding of various musical styles. The album concludes with a suite of dances from Handel's operas, arranged by Beecham himself, offering a glimpse into his creative genius.
Sir Thomas Beecham, known for his distinctive conducting style and witty personality, was a prominent figure in the classical music world. His recordings, such as this one, continue to inspire and captivate audiences, offering a window into the golden age of classical music. "The Passion for Music" - Beecham the Indomitable is not just a collection of tracks but a celebration of Beecham's enduring legacy and his unwavering passion for music.
Handel: Solomon, HWV 67: OvertureGeorge Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Handel: Solomon, HWV 67, Act 3: Sinfonia "The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba"George Frideric Handel, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": I. Allegro vivaceWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": II. Andante cantabileWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": III. Menuetto. AllegrettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Mozart: Symphony No. 41 in C Major, K. 551 "Jupiter": IV. Molto allegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Mozart: Die Entführung aus dem Serail, K. 384: OvertureWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Beethoven: The Ruins of Athens, Op. 113: No. 4, Turkish MarchLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act 2: No. 7, In the Hall of the Mountain KingEdvard Grieg, Sir Thomas Beecham, Beecham Choral Society, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act 4: No. 13, Prelude. Morning MoodEdvard Grieg, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act 4: No. 18, Solveig's SongEdvard Grieg, Sir Thomas Beecham, Ilse Hollweg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Grieg: Peer Gynt, Op. 23, Act 5: No. 26, Solveig's Cradle SongEdvard Grieg, Sir Thomas Beecham, Beecham Choral Society, Ilse Hollweg, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Bizet: Suite No. 1 de L'Arlésienne, Op. 23bis, WD 40: II. MenuetGeorges Bizet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Bizet: Suite No. 1 de L'Arlésienne, Op. 23bis, WD 40: III. AdagiettoGeorges Bizet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Haydn: The Seasons, Hob. XXI:3, Spring: No. 1a, OvertureJoseph Haydn, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sibelius: 2 Pieces from Kuolema, Op. 44: No. 1, Valse tristeJean Sibelius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Mozart: March in D Major, K. 249 "Haffner"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Berlioz: La damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 2: Ballet des sylphesHector Berlioz, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Chabrier: Joyeuse marcheEmmanuel Chabrier, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Berlioz: La damnation de Faust, Op. 24, H 111, Pt. 3: Menuet des folletsHector Berlioz, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette, Act 5: Le sommeil de JulietteCharles Gounod, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Berlioz: Les Troyens, H 133, Act 1: Marche troyenne (Instrumental Version)Hector Berlioz, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Fauré: Dolly, Op. 56: III. Le jardin de Dolly (Orch. Rabaud)Gabriel Fauré, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française, Sir Thomas Beecham
Bizet: Carmen Suite No. 1: V. AragonaiseGeorges Bizet, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française, Sir Thomas Beecham
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: I. Introduction (After Admeto, HWV 22)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: II. First Dance (After Teseo, HWV 9)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: III. Minuet (After Alcina, HWV 34)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: IV. Hornpipe (After Concerto grosso, Op. 6 No. 7, HWV 325)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: VI. Second Dance (After Organ Concerto, Op. 4 No. 4, HWV 292)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: VIII. Tambourine (After Alcina, HWV 34)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Beecham & Handel: The Gods Go a'Begging: IX. Gavotte (After Alcina, HWV 34 & Il pastor fido, HWV 8)George Frideric Handel, Thomas Beecham, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Delius: A Dance Rhapsody No. 2Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: Marche-capriceFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delius: Brigg Fair "An English Rhapsody": Introduction. Slow, PastoralFrederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31: OuvertureGeorges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 1: Habanera. "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Carmen, Chœur)Georges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Victoria de los Ángeles, Chœur de la Radiodiffusion française, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 1: Séguedille. "Près des ramparts de Séville" (Carmen, José)Georges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Victoria de los Ángeles, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 2: "Les tringles des sistres tintaient" (Carmen)Georges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Victoria de los Ángeles, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 2: "Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre" (Escamillo, Chœur)Georges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Ernest Blanc, Chœur de la Radiodiffusion française, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 2: "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" (José)Georges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Nicolai Gedda, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Bizet: Carmen, WD 31, Act 3: Entr'acteGeorges Bizet, Sir Thomas Beecham, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française
Delibes: Le roi s'amuse, Scène du bal: II. PavaneLéo Delibes, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delibes: Le roi s'amuse, Scène du bal: V. MadrigalLéo Delibes, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Delibes: Le roi s'amuse, Scène du bal: VII. FinaleLéo Delibes, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Lalo: Symphony in G Minor: II. VivaceÉdouard Lalo, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française, Sir Thomas Beecham
Lalo: Symphony in G Minor: III. AdagioÉdouard Lalo, Orchestre National Radiodiffusion Française, Sir Thomas Beecham
Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 46: I. At the Castle GateJean Sibelius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 46: VI. PastoraleJean Sibelius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 46: VII. Mélisande at the Spinning WheelJean Sibelius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
Sibelius: Pelléas et Mélisande Suite, Op. 46: VIII. Entr'acteJean Sibelius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham