The Beecham Collection - on SOMM
George Frideric HANDEL
(1685-1759) (arr. BEECHAM)
Suite de Ballet (The Origin of Design)
The Gods Go A' Begging * (excerpts)
Piano Concerto in A major
Lady Betty Humby Beecham
(piano)
Sir Thomas Beecham conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal
Philharmonic Orchestra *
SOMM-BEECHAM 7
[74:52]
Crotchet
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That Sir Thomas Beecham revered Handel is very evident from the loving care
that he invests in these historic recordings from the 1930s and '40s.
Beecham compiled the suites on this recording largely from Handel's stage
works. The opening Suite de Ballet (The Origin of Design) was
recorded in December 1932. The sound is very acceptable barring a few scratches
and hisses here and there which do not seriously mar one's enjoyment. Beecham
delivers a reading that is poised and vivacious. The rich textures are finely
articulated and every movement is a little gem. I would particularly mention
the stately elegance and grace of the 'Ensemble'; the plaintive beauty of
the 'Musette' and the thrilling fanfares of Battaglia.
The Gods Go A'Begging excerpts are presented in two collections excerpts
recorded on separate occasions: the first collection of nine movements from
1933 to 1938, and the second collection of six movements in June 1949. From
the first collection the Musette with its tolling bells and idyllic atmosphere
is especially magical while the 'Tambourino' has a carefree rustic charm.
The second collection has an exquisite Larghetto and a Gavotte that sounds
quite Scottish in its outer parts with a captivating inner section with lovely
material for violin and harp.
But the most interesting work here is Beecham's arrangement of the Piano
Concerto in A major which he put together for his wife Lady Betty Humby Beecham.
She gave the first performance under Sir Thomas with a chamber orchestra
in New York Town Hall on 15th March 1944. It is a great pity that
there have been so few performances of the piece for it is a very engaging,
tuneful work. The opening movement has richly decorated material that is
stately and proud, urbane and witty. The Romanza has ethereal beauty, the
Minuet is charming and the Finale full of carefree jollity. The Concerto
was recorded in 1945.
A delicious confection for all Beecham and Handel lovers.
Ian Lace
