Available in the online shop
The album SWF D20 Furtwängler in Paris, is now available, featuring high-definition recordings of the entire concert performed on 4 May 1954, as preserved by the INA, including announcements and applause.
An exceptional concert.
— A particularly lively overture to Euryanthe, a welcome alternative to the official recording with the VPO.
— Brahms's Haydn Variations, with exemplary staging that clearly identifies the mood of each variation.
— A lyrical Unfinished by Schubert, with soloists (flute, oboe, horn, etc.) seldom featured so prominently.
— A monumental, grandiose Beethoven's Fifth, but one that nonetheless features some purely poetic moments.
The applause that followed this performance seemed to go on forever...
In addition to this concert: the Entretiens sur des entretiens ("Interviews about interviews"). These are not the only interviews with Furtwängler, but rarely has he explored certain topics in such depth, with the excellent assistance of Fred Goldbeck. We're not talking about vague compliments here; what he says about interpretation or contemporary music prompts reflection. All of these interviews are translated into English in the digital booklet.
In comparison with other live recordings of the time, the RTF recording is truly astonishing. To find out more, listen to the podcast dedicated to this product.