Eugene Ormandy - Bartók: Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48 (1963/2018) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

Sony Classical announces a further batch of complete recordings from the CBS/Sony and RCA Victor catalogues. The newest installment of this popular series features some unusual repertoire as well as documents of the New York Metropolitan Opera in its postwar heyday. Columbias 1960 recording of Bartoks Bluebeards Castle features American singers. Though it is sung in English, its authentic Hungarian quality is guaranteed by the conductor, Budapest-born Eugene Ormandy. Rosalind Elias makes a splendidly passionate Judith. The Philadelphia Orchestra comes into its own at the opening of the various doors especially the Second, where the dazzling brilliance of Bluebeards treasure-chamber is vividly depicted (Gramophone).

Tracklist:

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)

01. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Opening Scene
02. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: First Door-Bluebeard's Torture Chamber
03. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Second Door-The Armoury
04. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Third Door-The Treasury
05. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Fourth Door-The Secret Garden
06. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Fifth Door-Bluebeard's Kingdom
07. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Sixth Door-The Lake of Tears
08. Bluebeard's Castle, Sz. 48: Seventh Door-Bluebeard's Former Wives

Personnel:
Rosalind Elias, soprano
Jerome Hines, baritone
Philadelphia Orchestra
Eugene Ormandy, conductor

Recorded November 21st, 1960 at The Academy of Music, Philadelphia
Produced by John McClure

Digitally remastered