Constantin Silvestri: The Complete Emi Recordings

Orchestre National de la Radiodiffusion Francaise, Orchestre de la Societe des Concerts du Conservatoire, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Wiener Philharmoniker, Philharmonia Orchestra, Constantin Silvestri

Constantin Silvestri was born in Bucharest, Romania on 31st May 1913. His mother had to bring him up as both his father and stepfather had died whilst he was still a teenager. By the age of six he was playing both piano and organ and showed skill as an improviser. Although not in conducting classes at the Conservatoire in Bucharest he was already appearing as a conductor in his teens, making his debut with the Bucharest Radio Symphony Orchestra in 1930 in a concert which included The Rite of Spring and one of his own compositions. After further success with the National Radio Orchestra of Romania he decided to make conducting his career. In 1935 he started his association with the Romanian National Opera and directed the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra for six years. In 1948 he started teaching at the Conservatoire and founded its Conducting Department. Whilst conducting all the main orchestras in Romania he was also able to accept guest appearances in the USSR, Czechoslovakia and Hungary. In 1957 he also made his debut in the U.K. conducting the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall and started making recordings for EMI in London, Paris and Vienna. Before leaving his home country he had his greatest success there – the premiere of Enesco’s opera Oedipe in 1958. Settling first in Paris in 1959 and then in England when offered the post of Principal Conductor of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. With his meticulous and lengthy preparation in rehearsals he raised the standard and prestige of the orchestra to one of international standing. He became a British citizen in 1967 but his growing reputation was cut short by increasing ill-health and he died of cancer in London on 23rd February 1968 at the age of 55. This set presents the Complete Recordings made by Constantin Silvestri for EMI. The microphones did offer to this “fanatical idealist” the most favourable circumstances to let his particular talent blossom.

Price: $46.98