Bruno Walter in NY 1940

Music Lane

It's all about the music, dude! Sit down, relax and listen to some tunes.

When we last reported on Walter, he had finished a series of four concerts with the NBC on Ap 8, 1939. Two weeks later, he was on his way back to France, apparently oblivious to the gathering war clouds.
In France he was soon confronted with a terrible family tragedy, the murder of his daughter Gretel at the hands of her husband. The incident incapacitated him. Then Hitler's invasion of Poland served as a reminder of his precarious situation on the continent, and he finally boarded a steamer back to the US where he would eventually settle in California for the rest of his life.
By early 1940 he was back in front of the NBC, and from February of that year he left us a Bruckner 4th quite unlike any other. It is blazing fast, with each movement a full two minutes quicker than the 1960 stereo remake. I thought the NBC brass would not be up to the task, particularly at Walter's breakneck speeds, but they acquit themselves nobly. Hearing this Fourth, I found nothing "Romantic" about it. It is nonstop drama, urgency, and religious grandeur, particularly in the finale. I don't think I want to hear my old Klemperer/
VSO/PO and Walter/CSO records ever again. Yes the Philharmonia plays better than the NBC, but what's the difference? If you haven't heard this version, the Fourth has yet to reveal itself to you fully.
I bought used a Urania CD including a 1944 Prelude and Liebestod, which again supasses everyone else's, including Furtwaengler. Sources for both performances are acetate discs, in fairly good shape except for occasional loud scraping noises.
It's obvious that the Walter of the 1930, 40's and up to the mid 50's was a supreme conductor, a giant in an age of giants, perhaps the greatest ever. There is much material from the era available on many labels, so go explore, the rewards are more than ample.

Edits: 11/08/11

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Amplified Parts

Topic - Bruno Walter in NY 1940 - Brian Cheney 17:20:10 11/08/11 (5)

Mahler; Resurrection Symphony No. 2 - Mali 17:59:04 11/10/11 (0)

I clearly need to hear BW at his best - IE in mono - and in stereo - Timbo in Oz 06:11:09 11/10/11 (0)

Thanks So Much - Mike Porper 14:15:52 11/09/11 (1)

RE: Thanks So Much - Brian Cheney 09:43:54 11/10/11 (0)

RE: Bruno Walter in NY 1940 - rbolaw 08:16:06 11/09/11 (0)

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