BARTOK, B. - Concerto For Orchestra (Sealed) (LP)

Fritz Reiner's friendship with B?la Bart?k must be considered an important factor in the creation of these legendary recordings. Koussevitsky's famous commission for the Concerto for orchestra was due in large part to Reiner's advocacy, and he was among the first conductors to both perform and record this masterpiece. Beyond this, Reiner's great sympathy for his friend's work extends to the care and attention to detail he gave to the works included here. For all its virtuosity, the concerto is structurally symphonic, and Reiner ensures that the music formally coheres. He goes under the dazzling surface to touch the tragic core of the work and draws a deeply moving performance from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Side A: Concerto for Orchestra 1. Introduzione: Andante non troppo - Allegro vivace 9.52 2. Giuoco delle coppie: Allegretto scherzando 5.59 Side B: 1. Elegia: Andante non troppo 7.52 2. Intermezzo interrotto: Allegretto 4.13 3. Finale: Pesante - Presto 8.54 Chicago Symphony Orchestra Fritz Reiner - conductor Recorded October 22, 1955.