Review: Igor Markevitch--The Complete HMV Recordings

Currently on Erato (Warner), this 18-CD set contains all of the recordings that Markevitch made for EMI/HMV in the 1950s, mostly in perfectly decent mono sound. Included in this set are Markevitch's only two opera recordings, Glinka's A Life for the Tsar and Offenbach's La Perichole. Markevitch was one of those generalist conductors who did just about everything well. The composers represented range from Handel to Tchaikovsky to Stravinsky, Brahms, Dallapiccola, Ravel, Schubert, Haydn, and Markevitch himself, among many others. It's an amazing legacy.

[tonysanderson]

Great to see you promoting Markevitch's work. One of my first purchases as a teenager was his Rite of Spring with one of the London orchestras. I was intrigued to read about his composing and now, at last, they are coming out on CD. Certainly will give them a whirl. Thanks again David for your series on Markevitch.

[davidaiken]

Thanks, Dave, for an informative run-down of a set that I have been considering since it was originally issued on EMI. I have the DG "Originals" survey of Markevich's work for that label (9 CD's), which I have enjoyed greatly over the years. This EMI set would make a perfect supplement to the DG Originals, which contains some splendid Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven but no Stravinsky. My first exposure to Markevich was via his DG recording of Haydn's "Creation"; that was also my first exposure to that work on an ancient LP set. I haven't heard it in decades, but I remember it fondly. Likewise my first exposure to the Verdi Requiem was a Markevich performance from Russia (as I recall), once available on Vox LP's. That one remains seared in my memory. What a sizzler! My introduction to Nielsen was also via Markevich's Danish Radio recording of the "Inextinguishable, " issued here on a Turnabout LP. Another sizzler. So I'm definitely interested in the Eloquence boxes when they come available--only I've noticed that their list prices seem exorbitantly high. Certainly not bargain boxes, and I wonder why. In any case, I appreciate your advocacy for this amazing composer/conductor, whose recordings I have always enjoyed.

[petertaplin]

Thanks for this! Been hanging out for the Markevich's 'Young Person's Guide' narrated by Peter Pears. Along with Britten's own definitive un-narrated version with the LSO, it was the first version I heard age 12, and it gave me my love of orchestral music for life!

[mangstadt]

Markevitch enjoys mythical status in Spain, where he was the principal conductor of the Spanish Radio Television Orchestra, founded in 1965. Unfortunately, I never attanded any performances of his. The man died in 1983 and I started going to concerts, many featuring "his" orchestra, in 1984. I remember the concert master back then was Hermes Kriales. I've got a few vinyl LPs with Markevitch conducting. Some day I may buy a good amplifier and speakers to go with the turntable I already have.

[lewtaratua]

I think Markevitch and Ancerl are the same type of conductors. They make the same kind of music. Passionate neo-classical type. Precise but exciting. They are somewhat similar in appearance and the way they use their button look similar to each other. It’s a pity no Ancerl supraphon big box. Looking forward to your review of Markevitch Decca/Philips box and DG box. Thanks.

[grantparsons]

Fabulous set! Thanksas ever for sharing your knowledge & enthusiasm, Dave. I've been collecting all my life & if I had to choose (God forbid) those conductors to take to the proverbial desert Isle, they'd be Markevitch & Rosbaud...

[johnfowler]

There was also the Everest LP of music of Lili Boulanger recorded in 1960 with the Lamoureux Orchestra. Reissued on 20-bit ultra-analog CD by Omega in 1995 (out-of-print and expensive).
Everest was an independent label that recorded a lot of nice stereo LPs in the late '50s-early '60s. Currently in limbo. I wish one of the majors would buy their catalog.

[johnfowler]

The 1969 'Peter and the Wolf' and 'Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra' are narrated in French by Peter Ustinov.
EMI re-issued the same recording with a narration in Australian by Paul Hogan ("Crocodile Dundee"), but that's not in this box.
Crikey.

[msilverz]

I agree, Dave. I think Markevitch has as high a hit-to-miss ratio as pretty much any other conductor I can think of. --Matty

[edwinbaumgartner]

That’s a great box, but I wonder, where the french balletts are. There should be recordings of Milhaud („Le train bleu“), Poulenc („Les biches“), Auric („Les fâcheux“) and Sauguet („La chatte“, I guess). And didn‘t Markevitch record Milhaud‘s „Les choéphores“ also - or was that on DG?

[bannan]

How do the transfers compare to the cheap and cheerful "Milestones of a conductor legend" 10 CD box that you reviewed some time ago? Many thanks

[orlandofurioso]

I cannot find his Mozart's Coronation Mass with Orchestre Lamoureux on CD.... just mind-blowing. Nothing compares to it.

[bbailey]

The stereo Sacre was my first. Still love it. Likewise that stereo Angel lp of Romeo and Nutcracker. Outstanding but why the hell he made those senseless cuts in Nutcracker I'll never understand.

[cartologist]

This one came out in 2015, post-EMI merger by Warner. I don’t know if this was ever released as EMI Icon.

[josecarmona]

As always, this set is not complete, as it doesn't include Bartok's 3rd piano concerto with Annie Fischer (which in fact is in the Annie Fischer Icon box!!!).

Anyway, this box is obliged for all collectors as you say, David. And I am eagerly waiting for the two Eloquence boxes...

[richardfrankel]

Ever see the film of of Markevitch conducting The Sorcerer's Apprentice? He looks gaunt and diabolical and rather terrifying.