If I Could Choose Only One Recording By....IGOR MARKEVITCH

It Would Have To Be...
Gounod: St. Cecilia Mass. Soloists, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus (DG)

[paullewis]

Undoubtedly one of the greatest 20th century conductors but not over hyped by the major recording companies. His “La Damnation de Faust”.recording, though not probably overall the best cast for this work, has Markevitch’s conducting which is a revelation, the best I know of.

[HoraceInExile]

i LOVE it when my guess is off; perfect day for getting to know this one

[fjblanco]

After listening to this recommendation, which was absolutely beautiful, I became inspired to seek out other recordings and came across Markevitch’s recording of “THE NINTH” with Lamereaux. I’m floored and emotionally exhausted after listening to this. Only one other recording of Beethoven’s magnum opus has brought tears to my eyes, and that’s Wand’s. As always many thanks for your insights and recommendations

[tandmark]

An excellent choice! I'd have gone with Markevitch's recording of L'Histoire du Soldat by Stravinsky, featuring the voices of Jean Cocteau and Peter Ustinov, which I've loved since receiving the LP version as a gift circa 1963. But the Gounod is truly a special work. What stands out to me from this performance is the work of soprano Irmgard Seefried.

[waynesmith]

Wow! Unfamiliar with this, but I will have to listen with your recommendation. I do love Maravich.

[richfarmer]

One of my favorite works, so tuneful and catchy. I've got versions by Pretre and Barbirolli, but I'll have to seek out the Markevitch.

[bil]

Wow, I thought for sure it would be his Berlioz Damnation or Beethoven Fifth Symphony, two of the greatest recordings I ever heard. No disagreement about the Gounod, though- he makes us realize that Gounod was not some third-rate composer (which I was taught in music school!)

[LyleFrancisDelp]

The Gounod is a very good choice, though I would prefer to save from the evil clutches of Kankrazan, the remarkable Francesca da rimini with the Lamoureux Orch.

[grantparsons]

Great choice. But a hard choice. The Markevitch discography is an embarrassment of riches.